You should have a wifi icon in the system tray by the clock. When you are out and about right click on that, then click 'view available wireless networks'.
You will get a list of the networks, some will be private and secure and you can't log on (like your own should be).
Others will be private and unsecured. You can log on to these but it is illegal to do so without the network owner's permission.
You should be able to identify the one you are looking for. McDonald's is a good example. They provide free wifi for their customers. You will see 'McDonalds' in the list and you can log on to that. If you need a password the staff will give it to you. It's just a matter of clicking on the McDonalds network, you get a question - do you want to connect to this network? You click 'yes' and it's done.
You can use this to find truly free and legal hotspots, no spend required.
http://www.hotspot-locations.com/modules.php?n ame=HotSpots&op=hotspot_query&hsl_countryhs=2G B&hs_state=&hs_city=&hs_operator=&hsl_type=&hs _access_box=on&search=Search