how could you find out a persons hostname from server-side?

what do you mean?
*bunar does not capish* can you pls expand your Q more?

*!*orce_n_st@digitalfuse-305139C5.nott.cable.ntl.com
i need to get the bit in bold, how can i find out that info from their ip?

You mean like /dns 1.2.3.4?

only if you use traceroute program

yes, but /dns doesn't work from server side.
edit:
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* Dns resolving 81.96.***.107
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* Dns resolved 81.96.***.107 to mat
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it gets the name of my computer, not my hostname - this was tested while not connected

I imagine that will only happen when you DNS yourself.

Also I don't know what you mean by "server-side".

i often get the same problem with connecting to an irc network. it will say host found. and diplsay my computers intranet name. i believe this person may be after getting the server to show thewir 'real host' given by their isp and have that as what is shown.

/dns doesn't rely on the server you're connected, it's a separate connection.
Although I get my hostname when I /dns my IP, I also believe that you'll get a computer name only when you /dns your own, unless it's how your ISP behaves or something else; nonetheless, it's definitely not a server's issue.

(Edit: Jae, this isn't a direct reply to you)

nm, i thought you had to be connected to a server to /dns.
/dns is what i needed

Well personally i only ever have a problem with my personal host being shown on when its an Unread IRCd .. but maybe its spitting that out to confuse me..