"portscans" (was Re: Arbor Networks DoS defense product)

Sun May 19 13:59:09 UTC 2002

> > I often like to know if a particular web server is running Unix or
> > Winblows.  A port scanner is a useful tool in making that determination.
> 
> a full-blown portscan is not required here. A simple telnet to port 80 will
> do the job.

A simple telnet to port 80 will sometimes do the job, but often not.
And even your statement "a full-blown portscan is not required" concedes
that a portscan will work in making this determination.