and how would one go about getting ones own email domain?
without paying of course.
Well IME you usually get what you pay for.
If you get a ‘free’ address with your broadband provider then it’s a ballache if you ever want to move (as we see in this thread) or when it’s down and customer services don’t GAF.
Custom domain is the best option if you don’t want to be tied to one of the big names. It’s not in the least bit like vanity car plates. It will require a little more effort but it’s yours for as long as you renew the domain (£8 for 2 years for .co.uk).
Gmail is as good as it gets for a free setup – IMAP/POP, loads of useful options, clear interface and top notch spam-trapping. Outlook.com isn’t as slick but works fairly well… unless you’re used to Gmail.
I’d avoid Yahoo, the interface is sh*t (and has been for ages), they have had too many security breaches and caused no end of issues for BT/Yahoo accounts. It is up for sale, and how do you think the buyer will make their money?