Please show me any advertisement that offers free Wi-Fi internet access along with the purchase of a computah.
The implication of such advertising is that you would use the Wi-Fi adapter in your unspecified model computer to connect to a wireless access point or router that you own and have paid for, not someone elses. It's like the automobile dealer offering a free drivers license, liability insurance, free registration, free toll road fees, and free maintenance along with the purchase of a vehicle. It doesn't happen. You, and only you, are responsible for using the vehicle (and the Wi-Fi device) in a legal and responsible manner. Presumably, that comes from getting sufficient information on how it work BEFORE spending the money.
It's true that many people have no interest in having you use their Wi-Fi router without permission. They also make no effect to identify themselves so that you can find them. They also apply encryption to prevent anyone else from using their system. This should be a clue that you're not welcome.
Most of my routers have the SSID set to the address of the wireless router. However, that's not an invitation. It's there to help deal with interference issues. However, if you can find them, talking nicely with the owner might result in an arrangement, where you use their wireless at perhaps odd hours or help pay for their broadband connection. Just ask.
As I previously mentioned, your header shows that you're connecting via Earthlink. You already have an ISP. You should ask them for help.
Hmm.... you're not exactly a beginner. What inspired this line of questioning? Did you just buy a new computah? With all your experience since 1998, I would think you would have had more of a clue about how broadband and Wi-Fi operates: