get computer name

[homer.favenir]

hi,

ive been searching all day in the internet  on how to get the computer name of a client.

but im a failure  , so i drop by here to ask php professionals.

how can i get the client's computer name?

 

TIA

[ILMV]

You can't, I'm pretty sure the only thing you can get with PHP is the IP for that, and that is going to be supplied by their ISP and can be spoofed, you might be able to with JavaScript though.

[Garethp]

Google, my dear friend (You can just email me some chocolate if you like)

 

$hostname = gethostbyaddr($_SERVER['REMOTE_ADDR']);

echo $hostname;

[MadTechie]

That's a client side request.

If you try via PHP you probably need an external program. (an external program will probably hit the router)

 

you will need to use a client side script like Javascript, VBS etc

 

however its classed as a security risk to the client,

 

here's a VBS example (untested)

try{
var x = new ActiveXObject("WScript.Network");
document.write('Computer: ' + x.ComputerName + '<br />');
}catch (e){
document.write('Permission to access computer name is denied' + '<br />');
}

 

But your need the clients to add the site to the trusted zone in IE (won't work in other browser) or your just get a permission denied error

Tools -> Internet Options -> Security tab -> Trusted sites Zone -> Sites...

and Initialize and script ActiveX controls not marked as safe

 

 

Google, my dear friend (You can just email me some chocolate if you like)

 

$hostname = gethostbyaddr($_SERVER['REMOTE_ADDR']);

echo $hostname;

That's the hostname not the computer name!

 

EDIT: updated script

[Garethp]

GAH! Sorry! When I tested it, I tested it on my local computer, forgetting that the server and client would then share the same name

 

*Shame*

[homer.favenir]

$hostname = gethostbyaddr($_SERVER['REMOTE_ADDR']);
echo $hostname;

it is just getting name of the server and not the client.