Hotspot internet connection problems

I have a new laptop, running Windows Vista Home, I have a great wireless
internet connection in my home! My problem is whenever I go to a Hotspot and
try to connect to the internet, it only allows me " local only ". It won't
let me actually connect to the internet. I've tried six or seven different
locations with the same results. I'm a senior citizen, not to computer savey,
is there a easy fix to this problem? Should I pay money to the computer
doctor? or should I try to send the computer back to the manufactuer.