access help

Apologies if this is not the correct forum. Not sure which one is
appropriate!
For the first time I now have a laptop with a wireless LAN.
But how do you find wireless connections? I was recently in France and
occasionally it showed wireless internet connections and I could click on
and connect but more often it said a network key was needed.
Also, for places that have public wireless hotspots such as airports, cities
etc, how do you actually pay for the access, what shows on the screen?
I DON'T want to connect the laptop to the main pc wirelessly, it's just used
whilst away from home. I'm in the UK by the way.
Sorry, realise this is very basic for those of you already using it.

> But how do you find wireless connections? I was recently in France and

Typically, you see if it pops up in the wireless networks list.

> occasionally it showed wireless internet connections and I could click on
> and connect but more often it said a network key was needed.

Then those aren't free, probably private.

> Also, for places that have public wireless hotspots such as airports, cities
> etc, how do you actually pay for the access, what shows on the screen?

You open your browser, try to go somewhere and you'll be redirected to
the welcome/payment page.

David.