Finger Protocol - TCP/IP Suite

The "finger" protocol is used to return information on users on a specific host. Information that can be gained by using the finger is to see if someone is actively logged on to a server, or find a valid username. The finger protocol is far less prevalent now than it once was due to some problems with the protocol. Back in 1988 an Internet worm exploited an error in the protocol, and additional it was used by mischievous people to find information about server users. Finger had the potential to provide one of these mischievous users with information such as login name, phone number, and the last time the user had logged on to the system.

The finger service is very well known, and runs on port seventy-nine (79). The client or user opens an active open connection to port seventy-nine (79) with a one-line query, which is then processed by the server. The server then sends back the output of that query and then closes the connection to the client.

As I mentioned early due to problems in the past with the protocol many servers have this service disabled entirely in which case when the client attempts to connect to the service and the server has no passive open connection it will send back a RST and drop the connection. Though more often than not there will be a firewall blocking this port entirely and you won't even get that far.

For the full technical description and inner workings of this protocol please refer to its RFC, the finger protocol is defined in RFC 1288.

Ken Dennis
http://KenDennis-RSS.homeip.net/

Mind Machine Interfacing

SQUID:In 1984 I was partnered with a Cable TV engineer... Read More

How Peer to Peer (P2P) Works

Peer to Peer (P2P) Technology- How it works:Ever wondered how... Read More

ICMP Protocol - Internet Control Message Protocol

The Internet Control Message Protocol communicates errors messages between systems... Read More

Wireless Technologies in Mass Transit for Convenience and Safety

Modern Mass Transit is making it easier for commuters, especially... Read More

A Cheap Alternative To Broadband?

Are you a dial-up user looking for a faster connection,... Read More

Remotely Connecting by Satellite To the Hospital - 2005

Hospital's and the Medical Professionals associated with them across America... Read More

Compare Cable vs. DSL

Okay, so you are finally tired of those slow dial-up... Read More

Business Satellite Internet Products Compared - 2005

There are a number of options available for Business Class... Read More

Beta Testing First Mobile Internet Satellite Broadband, Part I

Being on the road has its advantages; the freedom is... Read More

Its On! (Free Internet TV - Watch TV Online)

Get ready because "there's going to be television out the... Read More

Google Brings Millions of Hard-to-Find Library Books to Your Fingertips

Millions of hard-to-find books from five major libraries will soon... Read More

Dreams Come True With The Help Of Global Consciousness On The Internet

Dreams. There are two types of dreams: 1. When you... Read More

Cheap Internet Access

For anyone trying to get the cheapest internet available, there... Read More

Broadband Features

Internet service providers are becoming more and more present as... Read More

How to Test Your DSL and Cable Internet Connection Speed

There are two measured elements that determine your internet connection... Read More

Understanding Broadband - Are You Ready To Upgrade?

Are you ready to upgrade your residential service to DSL... Read More

How to Choose Best ISP for Your Needs

Well, the Internet access industry is starting to shake its... Read More

Unlimited Bandwidth and Overselling

One of the most controversial topics surrounding web hosting is... Read More

Wireless Network Hammerin

The wireless network in my house went haywire. It worked... Read More

Wifi Hotspot Locations for Sale..is that a Good Thing?

Recent companies have been advertising wifi hotspot locations that are... Read More

What are Your Internet Connection Solutions?

Of primary concern to all internet users is their actual... Read More

How to Get Broadband

Getting broadband services getting easy, but research still required.Broadband Internet... Read More

Webmail - What are the Benefits?

There are so many different webmail services on the internet,... Read More

Long Arm of the Law Reaches New Internet (RIAA, Internet-2, i2hub Lawsuit)

Have you heard of the new Internet? It's called Internet... Read More

3G EV-DO or How the Internet Got Its Wings!

The Internet, as most people know it, is history.It just... Read More