Check domain registration and registry information where public WHOIS data is available. Modern privacy rules mean some contact details may be hidden, which is usually a good thing.
A WHOIS lookup checks domain registration information. A DNS lookup checks records used for routing websites, email and services. If a site is down, check DNS records first. If you need registrar, status or expiry context, check WHOIS.
Learn DNS lookups →You can also use tools such as whois, dig and host from a shell. For Linux practice, visit CommandLineQuiz.
