Please don't shoot me for being a noob, answer please...

beeblebrox666

Not quite sure what this thing is supposed to do. Here is what I was hoping to use it for. Let me know if I am thinking right or this just is not the solution.

Connecting to internet through a managed wifi that blocks certain ports and websites.

Was hoping that the vpn would encrypt the traffic so that the routing server would not know what I am accessing and therefore allow me to connect anywhere I wished on the internet.

At the wifi I have to use sometimes, I can't access my e-mail, as all of this type traffic is blocked. Using standard e-mail client thunderbird to access email from my ISP and gmail, neither work.

example of blocked site: anything on youtube.

Enabling VPN made no changes.

If necessary: PC specs: Intel Core i5 1.8 GHz, 6.00GB Ram, windows 8.1, 280GB free disc space

Traffic

Start here:
community-open-source-software-overview

In your particular case you require a VNP server ..

Either:

A public VPN service provider (See google)
A Private VPN Server at your home or office etc

Note:

This may not help as the admins of the network you are using
are still able to block you if they choose ...