One of the more common issues with connecting your Vista based PC to the internet is a lack of connectivity accompanied by the cryptic "Unknown Network, Local Access Only" message popping up in the message area/system tray. This is part of a 'feature' in Vista to improve security while browsing from public wifi connections, such as coffee shops. It has, like so many other new features, caused a few headaches when trying to connect home internet connections. But there's an easy fix.
Open your control panel from the start menu and find the Network and Sharing Center.
Once in the Network and Sharing Center, click on 'customize'

This will open a windows that lets you change the current settings for this network. Change the network location type to 'private', click next and then the close button at the bottom.
Barring any other problems, you should get rid of the annoying message and be browsing within a minute or two.