Nmap is a utility for port scanning large networks, although it works fine for single hosts. Sometimes you need speed, other times you may need stealth. In some cases, bypassing firewalls may be required. Not to mention the fact that you may want to scan different protocols (UDP, TCP, ICMP, etc.). Nmap supports Vanilla TCP connect() scanning, TCP SYN (half open) scanning, TCP FIN, Xmas, or NULL (stealth) scanning, SYN/FIN scanning using IP fragments to bypass firewalls, TCP ACK and Window scanning, UDP raw ICMP port unreachable scanning, TCP Ping scanning, Direct (non portmapper) RPC scanning, Remote OS Identification by TCP/IP Fingerprinting, uptime calculation, and Reverse-ident scanning. Most UNIX and Windows platforms are supported in both GUI and command-line modes, along with several popular handheld devices. Screenshot available here.
Nmap is a utility for port scanning large networks, although it works fine for single hosts. Sometimes you need speed, other times you may need stealth. In some cases, bypassing firewalls may be required. Not to mention the fact that you may want to scan different protocols (UDP, TCP, ICMP, etc.). Nmap supports Vanilla TCP connect() scanning, TCP SYN (half open) scanning, TCP FIN, Xmas, or NULL (stealth) scanning, SYN/FIN scanning using IP fragments to bypass firewalls, TCP ACK and Window scanning, UDP raw ICMP port unreachable scanning, TCP Ping scanning, Direct (non portmapper) RPC scanning, Remote OS Identification by TCP/IP Fingerprinting, uptime calculation, and Reverse-ident scanning. Most UNIX and Windows platforms are supported in both GUI and command-line modes, along with several popular handheld devices. Screenshot available here.