Business Definition for: finger
finger
a UNIX command that provides you with information about users of your own or other machines. For example, if you type
finger smith@gizmo1.ai.uga.edu
your computer will connect with GIZMO1 (the host computer's name) at the University of Georgia and look for a user named Smith; if one exists, you will get that person's full name and e-mail address, along with some other information depending on the exact version of the operating system.
Because the finger command has been abused (to collect addresses for junk e-mailing or even to deliberately overload a machine with requests), many larger UNIX systems no longer answer finger queries.
See also
computer security
Related Terms:
method of protecting information, computer programs, and other computer system assets. Hardware security, which is the security of computer assets and capital equipment, refers to computer location, access control, fire protection, and storage procedures. Such measures as badges, electronic identification keys, alarm systems, and physical barriers at entries are used for this purpose. Software security entails the protection of software assets such as application program, the operating system, and the Data Base Management System (DBMS) and stored information. Special user numbers and passwords are typically used to prevent unauthorized access to software and data. In addition to security for hardware and software, good internal control also requires that measures be taken to prevent loss or accidental destruction of data.
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