MDK 10.1 laptop: How to set up and log into hotel's 802.11 network

Hi,
Next week I'll travel to Tokyo with my MDK 10.1 (download official edition,
3 CDs) laptop (Compaq Evo N600c).
I'll stay at an hotel that provides 802.11 b/a access.
Currently I use the laptop on a DHCP (physical) LAN without problems.
I have never configured a computer for WiFi.
While google showed many links they are hardware specific.
As the hotel will probably lend me a wireless card of unknown model, my
questions are:

1. Are there software packages that I should install up-front?
2. Once I arrive at the hotel how do I configure my laptop and log on the
network?

TIA