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WHOIS - A NetWare User Listing Utility
Richard L. Hartman
04 June 1991
Background
NetWare imposes limitations on the length and content of usernames.
Many networks use naming conventions which can be somewhat "cryptic",
especially as new users are added. Furthermore, a multiple-server or
internetworked environment can physically separate users across
parking lots or even geographic boundaries.
The NetWare command line utility USERLIST can be used to obtain a list
of users. However, this list only reports those users currently
logged in to the invoking user's file server, and does not list users
of other servers.
Additional information on a user is often available from their "Full
Name". However, obtaining a full list of all users and their full
names, from all servers, can be a lengthy task - and one which becomes
obsolete quickly as users are added and removed.
The Purpose of WHOIS
WHOIS was written to provide a complete list of all users on all file
servers with a single command.
WHOIS searches all file servers which are connected or bridged to the
invoking workstation and reports every users' username, full name, and
"home file server". The list is alphabetized by username for ease of
reference. Unlike USERLIST, WHOIS reports users whether they are
currently logged in or not.
Using WHOIS
WHOIS is very simple to use and requires no command line parameters.
Simply type:
WHOIS <enter>
...and WHOIS will generate a list of all network users on all file servers
to which it can attach and log in.
While not required, WHOIS will accept an optional network username as
a command line argument. This allows you to obtain information about a
specific user without having to view the entire list. For example, to
obtain the full name and home server of user CHARLIE, type:
WHOIS CHARLIE <enter>
...and the information will be shown.
WHOIS also supports the use of wildcards in usernames. The standard
DOS wildcards "*" and "?" may be used to obtain information about
users whose names share common characteristics. For example, to
obtain a list of all users whose names begin with C, type:
WHOIS C* <enter>
...and WHOIS will find ALL matching users on ALL servers.
Interpretation of wildcards is performed in exactly the same manner as
for DOS filenames: question marks indicate a single unknown character,
while an asterisk indicates zero or more unknown characters.
It should be repeated that WHOIS finds ALL matching users on ALL
servers. This means that like-named users on different servers will
be listed individually, and that like-named accounts for the same
individual on multiple servers will each be listed separately.
WHOIS is not case sensitive. All input is automatically capitalized
prior to use. The above examples use capitals for clarity.
Redirecting WHOIS Output
WHOIS uses standard DOS functions to display characters on the screen.
This was specifically done so that its output could be redirected to a
printer or file using the standard output redirection character ">".
Filters may also be used on WHOIS output in the same manner. Refer to
your DOS manual for more information on output redirection.
How WHOIS Works
WHOIS interacts with the NETx, EMSNETx, and XMSNETx shells to obtain
network services. It initially confirms that the invoking workstation
is attached and logged in to a NetWare file server.
WHOIS then finds a file server on the network and checks if the
workstation is logged in to it. If not, WHOIS logs in as "GUEST", an
account which is on all NetWare servers by default. (It can be
deleted, however, and if not found will cause WHOIS to report that it
is having trouble attaching to the server.)
Once a connection has been established, WHOIS queries the file server
for information regarding all users that match the command line
parameter. This information is stored internally for later display.
WHOIS then handles detachment from the server in the following manner:
If the workstation was already attached to THIS server upon execution,
no action is taken (it is left attached under the same username). If
it was not attached, WHOIS detaches from the server. Thus, WHOIS
preserves the entry environment of workstation-server attachments.
When all accessible servers have been queried, WHOIS sorts the results
by username and sends them to the screen. Three columns of data are
presented: The username, the full name, and the server from which the
information was obtained.
If Ctrl-Break is used to terminate execution, WHOIS may not have a
chance to log out of remote servers with which it was communicating.
Such connections do not generally represent problems; the NetWare
utility "WHOAMI" may be used to determine if undesired attachments
exist after premature termination of WHOIS.
WHOIS interacts with the NetWare shells using documented NetWare
function calls. No undocumented "tricks" are used anywhere in the
program.
Limitations
WHOIS reports all users on all accessible file servers. This may
include print servers, uninterruptable power supplies, automated
backup systems, and other "peripheral" users that do not necessarily
represent actual people. NetWare does not distinguish between "live"
users and "other" types, and neither does WHOIS; all are reported to
the extent that information is available.
Release to Public Domain
As of 04 June 1991, WHOIS.EXE Version 1.4 is released into the public
domain. The UNALTERED executable file, which is 13903 bytes in size,
may be freely copied and distributed to any interested users as long
as NO FEE IS CHARGED.
For ease of use, it is suggested that the network Supervisor place
WHOIS.EXE in the SYS:PUBLIC directory. However, it will work
regardless of the storage location from which it is invoked.
CAUTION: No tests are performed by WHOIS to insure its own integrity.
As with all downloaded software, unauthorized modification of the code
by persons of ill intent is technically possible. It is prudent
practice, and the individual responsibility of all users, to confirm
that WHOIS has not been modified to behave in an offensive manner.
Authorship
WHOIS was written by Richard L. Hartman (RLH) of Spokane, Washington.