Question: I'm new to Wi-Fi. I can use my laptop at home with no problems, but when I go to a free Wi-Fi location, I can't get onto the Internet. My PC tells me that I have a good connection, but when I try to access the Internet, I get "Page Not Found" and can't log into my work email. What am I doing wrong?
Answer: It's not what you're doing wrong, but what you're NOT doing that is the problem. There is one key difference between home and office Wi-Fi, and public hotspots. With home and office Wi-Fi, usually all you need to do is select the right access point from the list of SSIDs, and you'll be connected. Public hotspots are different. Even if your Wi-Fi card shows that you are attached to a hotspot's access point, you may not yet be connected to the Internet. The key secret to remember about getting connected at a public hotspot, whether free or paid, is that you need to open a NEW browser window first, before using email, IM chat, or other Internet functions. This browser window will usually pop up a screen for you to log in, or at least click "Okay" to whatever terms and conditions the hotspot imposes.
This system allows paid hotspots to collect login or credit card information, and free hotspots to put up information screens and responsibility disclaimers. It's just one extra step, and should only take a few seconds at a free hotspot. Some free hotspots ask that you create an account with a password. When you return the next time, logging in will be quick and painless.
What if you've opened a new browser window and still don't see a login screen? Make sure your browser home page is not blank (or it won't trigger the needed port opening), and that you have updated your system with the latest Service Packs (SP2 handles Wi-Fi much better than SP1). You may also need to simply get closer to the access point (your signal may be too weak to connect).
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