inetutils

InetUtils is a software package that provides various common network programs. One of its components is the GNU whois client, which uses a whois-servers file to identify the appropriate server to use. However, it may not always choose the best server as it has limitations. The configuration file included in the package is also not comprehensive, but developers can contribute information about additional whois servers.

The software is compatible with i486-gnu0.2, i486-pc-linux-gnu, m68k-hp-netbsd1.2, sparc-sun-netbsd1.2, sparc-sun-sunos4.1.4, and sparc-sun-solaris2.5 system types. `Paths' file contains all paths used by the programs and rules to obtain the path values. Users can either configure using `--with-path-foo=VALUE' or edit the `paths' file to change a path.

Users can choose to build only clients or only servers using `--disable-servers' or `--disable-clients' options. Besides, they can control whether to build individual programs by using `--enable-' or `--disable-' options. Note that even if users build only some programs, all manpages and the whois server list will be installed. The r* commands clients (rcp, rlogin, rsh) require setuid root to function as they use privileged ports for communication.

The software has some known deficiencies, such as lacking support for long options like --version or --help, and untested authentication and encryption options. The latest release of InetUtils, 1.4.2, includes an update to the NEWS file and bumps the version to 1.4.2 in configure.ac. Overall, InetUtils offers an essential collection of network programs, with some limitations, but the developers are willing to accept contributions to improve it.