Reviewer, 2008-12-23 08:50:00

A tool to gather WhoIs information for any IP address or domain.

Pros: On the internet a WhoIs query is used to get all information related to an IP address (or a domain). This is done by accessing a WhoIs database where all this information is stored, for example, the country to which an IP address belongs, email addresses related to maintenance, expiration dates and so on. HSLAB WhoIs is a tool designed such that you as a user can make WhoIs queries from your PC (without needing to invoke a web browser or using a web based WhoIs utility). It also stores the WhoIs record for each and every query that you send out so that you can refer to them later, or when you are offline, or when you want to some kind of analysis (to see for example what IP addresses are allocated to a certain country or region).

It is ideally suited for a mid-level user who wants to learn more about IP addresses and domains. The interface is simple, if not extremely efficient and allows the user to get the tasks done fairly intuitively.

Cons: The interface has not been designed keeping beginners in mind. Although it is likely that that very few beginners will want to use this, so the apparent difficulties are acceptable. However, beginners who would like to learn would probably use this product and initially they will have a tough time getting around. It is also not clear why web based tools should not be used in this case (other than the fact that it stores information from past WhoIs queries). Which is why advanced users may not prefer to use this tool.

Overall: 4 stars. Works. Is for a mid-level user. Tough for beginners, not enough functions for experts.