Using the finger command

You can find out someone's username and whether they are logged in with the finger command.

   finger name_of_person[@remote_host]

"name" can be a first or last name, or a username.

   finger Wilson
   Login name: helper       In real life: Arthur Wilson

Mr Wilson's username is "helper".

You may also finger users at remote sites if the remote host has been set up to allow this.

   finger [email protected]
   [bigfish.co.uk]
   Login name: stephens     In real life: Stephen Salmon