Is there a in-built setting to login to public hotspots? I have a SIM-lock free Galaxy W with Android 2.3.6 on it.

The other day in the public library I found out that I was not able to login anyhow to the public Wi-Fi.

It shows that the DHCP gives the phone an IP address and then labels it as connected, but on the PC a "further data needed" kind of notification would appear in order for me to put username and password in.

Now I found the "Free Wi-Fi hotspot" that deals exactly with this and am going to test it today, but it looks just like a frontend. Really there is not a way to access them using only built-in options on Android?

EDIT: Trying opening my browser after connecting doesn't automatically redirect me anywhere. That's why I avoided using the term "captive portal" as I cannot see any portal.
If you open your browser when connected to that hotspot, it should automatically get re-directed to the login page for it. That is what most of these Hotspot apps try to automate using macros. After having logged-in via the browser, the internet connection should be available to your apps.