From LQWiki

Jargon File Entry

According to the Jargon File:

1. n. A program that displays information about a particular user or all users logged on the system, or a remote system. Typically shows full name, last login time, idle time, terminal line, and terminal location (where applicable). May also display a plan file left by the user (see also Hacking X for Y).

2. vt. To apply finger to a username.

3. vt. By extension, to check a human's current state by any means. "Foodp?" "T!" "OK, finger Lisa and see if she's idle."

4. Any picture (composed of ASCII characters) depicting "the finger". Originally a humorous component of one's plan file to deter the curious fingerer (sense 2), it has entered the arsenal of some flamers.

This article is based, in whole or in part, on entry or entries in the Jargon File.

External Sources

• Finger's man page http://linux.die.net/man/1/finger

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