I believe Puppy Linux has the best support for dial-up modems under Linux. With
a Puppy or Ubuntu flavor Live CD, I think you can go to McDonalds or other
location that has an open connection and get on. But usually you need a WEP or
WAP key to get online with wi-fi, and this is under Windows, too to my
understanding. Sometimes it's easier to get online using a wi-fi device that has
built-in drivers, the same is true for re-installing Windows, too.
Welcome to Linux, it's better than Window$..