Find out if host is alive

[skip at pobox.com]

    Eyual> What is the fastest way to find out a host is alive should i make
    Eyual> a sys call and ping or is thier an easier way What is the fastest
    Eyual> way to find out a host is alive should i make a sys call and ping
    Eyual> or is thier an easier way

Depends on the meaning of "host is alive".  If that means "up and available
to do something for me", try connecting to the port of interest using the
socket module.

-- 
Skip Montanaro
Katrina Benefit Concerts: http://www.musi-cal.com/katrina
skip at pobox.com