most operating system and their utilities do rely quite heavily on the ability for arbitrary users to do username <-> UID lookup. Think of 'ls' or 'who' for instance

Okay, I didn't know I could do it, nor did I know if was 'allowed' to do it. I've just changed web hosts and the last thing I want is a 'slap on the wrist' from the new hosts, for doing something I shouldn't be. I'm very ignorant of these things.

Thanks,

Peter