I understand that IP addresses get translated into hostnames, as seen on IRC. But sometimes I see people who own a certain domain name connect with their domain as their host. If I also have a domain, can I achieve this? With my ISP, my host is always something like: ip-0-0-0-0-mindspring.com, ip-1-1-1-1-mindspring.com, etc. (I want to change the mindspring.com part. Mindspring is the ISP)

It happens because you have dynamic IP address, it changes from time to time.
If you will pay to your ISP for static IP, which will be always the same, your ISP gives you a domain.

But it is only my thoughts.

If I may add my two cents.

Reidential ISP's like Rogers/Shaw/Telus/Bell/etc. have they're dynamic IP AND static IP's set under reverse DNS. and cannot be changed
unless you pay them too..

Some ISP's will not do reverse DNS on there Business static address's. But Certainly not your average home account


This is a static
8.8.8.8.in-addr.arpa name = google-public-dns-a.google.com.

This is a dynamic address
6.100.65.70.in-addr.arpa name = S01060050da1a5b3e.rd.shawcable.net.


My two Cents

If I run my own DNS server(s), can this be changed?

Yes, However it will only change for you.. the outside world will still see 1-1-1-1-1.mindspring.com

also if you dont have a registered domain that points to your 2 static addresses only you will have the benifit of your own DNS server.

Myself i have 2 static IP's on my home connection in witch I pay my ISP BIG $$'s for. I also have my own Domain name, DNS and web servers. at my ISP's displeasure. I have been suspended a few times.. untill I told them I am required to run these services by my employer. Witch is complete BS
LOL.
but my ip's are still revered DNSed by my ISP.

really, unless you are willing you fork out 100's of dollars for a business account with static ip's. there is no point in tring to change it.
thats even if your ISP will let you have a business account in a residential area.. Mine will not..

your ISP owns your IP. you do not.