How to Check a Domain Name in Linux

"Whois" is a global directory for domain names.

The first step in creating a new website is choosing a domain name. Because so many domain names are already taken, web designers need a quick, simple way to determine whether a domain name is in use. The "whois" utility is a fast way to check a domain name in Linux.

Instructions

1. Click on the "Applications" menu.

2. Click on the "Accessories" group.

3. Click on the "Terminal" program.

4. Type "whois mydomain.net," replacing "mydomain.net" with the domain name in which you are interested. Hit "Enter."

5. Read the output of the "whois" command. If the output contains "No match for mydomain.net," then the domain name is free. If the output contains a domain name record and contact information, then the domain name is taken.

Tips & Warnings

• Domain names can get snatched up quickly. If you are interested in a domain that no one else is using, register it quickly.

References

• Ubuntu: whois manual