Revving Up Life Again: How Digital Access is Fueling Dale Youngblood’s Passion After Health Setbacks

Dale Youngblood worked on automobiles, air conditioners and other mechanical things for most of his life. 

He says he can fix just about anything.

“When I worked at a machine shop in Rockwood years ago my boss taught me that anything that can be made by a man can be repaired by a man,” he said.

For almost fifty years Youngblood’s passion was restoring and rebuilding cars and trucks. He and his brother completed several projects while he was still able to get around.

“My last project was a four wheel drive Chevy Tahoe. I built it up from the ground up,” he said.

These days, the 63 year old Harriman resident doesn’t get out of his house much due to health issues.

Complications from diabetes resulted in both of his legs being amputated below the knees. A series of strokes and a heart condition have further limited his activities.

Until recently, Youngblood has been isolated in his small rural mobile home, sometimes cut off from friends, family and his hobbies.

“My friends and family don’t like me being alone, but I’ve learned to do all right by myself,” he said.

Dayle Beyer, executive director of ROANEnet, a Harriman, TN-based 501c(3) non-profit dedicated to supporting digital inclusion, heard about Youngblood’s situation.

ROANEnet is charted to help those people with specific challenges including those who are elderly, have disabilities, low income, and who live in digitally underserved rural areas. The organization collects donated computers and refurbishes them to give them to those in need. Other services include training and helping those in need of internet access. 

“When I first met him he didn’t have internet access and he could get only three television channels on the antenna mounted outside his window,” she said.

ROANEnet provided Youngblood with a personal computer and worked with local internet provider AT&T to secure low cost broadband, including Roku technology that brings access to hundreds of free news and entertainment channels.

“We also looked at his phone bill. He was paying way too much for services he didn’t use. We got his bill down to $20 per month,” Beyer said.

ROANEnet also provides digital training. Youngblood had been exposed to computerized parts inventory while working at an appliance distributor but he didn’t have a lot of experience on the internet.

Thanks to the help provided by ROANEnet and its volunteers he is now fully connected to the digital world, capable of communicating with doctors, family and friends.

Perhaps just as importantly, he is now able to once again indulge his passion for automobiles through his collection of scale model diecast cars. 

“I’ve been collecting them for 30 years,” he said.

He uses his computer to buy, sell and trade the model cars with other collectors across the internet. Recently he has been building dioramas that showcase cars in miniature settings such as gas stations or garages.

He said his quality of life has been greatly improved through access to the digital world.

“If I want to look up something or see what’s new in the world I’ll just get on the computer,” he said.

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Windows 10 Has a ‘best by’ Date. Here’s What You Can Do When Support Ends.

The Washington Post
By: Chris Velazco

Updated Thu, August 8, 2024 at 1:17 PM EDT·5 min read

The end is in sight – for Windows 10, anyway.

It’s been nearly a decade since Microsoft first launched its popular Windows 10 operating system, and to this day it remains widely used. That’s even true compared to the software meant to replace it, according to the web traffic analysis firm Statcounter. But nothing lasts forever, not even good software.

On Oct. 14, 2025, Microsoft will officially end public support for Windows 10 – that means no more software updates, security patches, or technical support for your Windows 10 computer, no matter how well it still works. And to make that clear to some of its users, Microsoft has trumpeted the change with full-screen notices that appear when a person turns on their PC.

Don’t worry: If you’re using a Windows 10 PC right now, it’s not going to magically stop working next year. But now’s not a bad time to start thinking through your options for when Microsoft does officially put Windows 10 out to pasture.

– – –

Just update your computer

If your computer is eligible to upgrade to Windows 11, doing so is your easiest and likely safest option.

Windows 11 has been around for nearly three years now, and a steady cadence of updates have ironed out early issues and added new tools. There’s a learning curve, to be sure, and some users have reported that Windows 11 can feel slower than Windows 10, but taking the path of least resistance here isn’t a bad option.

To check if your PC is ready for Windows 11, download and run Microsoft’s PC Health Check app (at support.microsoft.com).

Unfortunately, some people (myself included) don’t have the option to upgrade. That’s because Windows 11 needs to see certain security features in place before you install it – features that didn’t always come standard on Windows 10 PCs.

Naturally, some talented software folks have figured out ways around this requirement, and Microsoft has tacitly acknowledged that you can install Windows 11 even if your computer doesn’t technically meet the minimum requirements.

That said, the company says that if you go down this route, “your PC will no longer be supported and won’t be entitled to receive updates” – which kind of defeats the purpose of the update entirely.

– – –

Ride it out with Windows 10

Your computer will still work normally on Oct. 14, 2025, and in the days that follow. It’ll do just about everything it did before, too, short of installing new Windows updates. And if you really wanted to stick to what has worked for you, well, you certainly can.

Just be aware that your computer will no longer receive new features, and that in the long run, some of the companies that make the apps you rely on may drop support for Windows 10 as well.

You may also be an easier target for malware and bad actors. If you use your computer’s built-in Windows Defender software, you may want to consider alternatives like Malwarebytes that will continue to get updates. But even that might not be enough, some experts say.

“Trying to secure an outdated operating system is hopeless,” said Mikko Hypponen, chief research officer of the Finland-based cybersecurity group WithSecure. When new patches and updates are released for Windows 11, he says attackers will reverse-engineer those releases to see if the same vulnerabilities exist in Windows 10 as well.

“Most of them will, and users running Windows 10 will be attacked,” he added.

If you’re a Windows 10 die-hard, you might have one more option. Late last year, Microsoft announced that it would offer extended service updates to regular consumers the way it does for businesses and schools that aren’t in a position to upgrade. Those businesses and schools have to pay annually for those updates, and it’s not yet clear what – if anything – Microsoft will charge the rest of us.

– – –

Buy a new computer

If you’re one of those people whose current PC simply won’t play nice with Windows 11, it might be worth considering buying a new computer outright.

At The Washington Post’s Help Desk, we’re big fans of holding on to our devices for as long as possible. That said, this is actually a pretty good time to be looking for a new computer anyway – Windows-powered “AI PCs” are having a moment, and the models we’ve tested have offered great performance and battery life.

If you’re on a tighter budget, though, or are only begrudgingly looking for a replacement computer, consider buying refurbished Windows 11 PCs straight from manufacturers. Marketplaces for used gadgets like Back Market can be great places to find deals too, though it can be trickier to find machines already running Windows 11.

– – –

Ditch Windows altogether

Okay, fine – most people really shouldn’t bother with this option. But if you’re trying to breathe new life into an older PC and you’re not wedded to Windows anyway, installing a lightweight, alternate operating system could give you a few extra years of use.

In the past, we’ve found success with ChromeOS Flex – free software from Google that basically turns your computer into a dedicated web-browsing device.

It’s limited, for sure, and won’t offer the same level of software flexibility as Windows, but it managed to turn a $100 test laptop we bought on eBay into a lean, mean Chrome and Google Docs machine.

If you’re really willing to veer away from Windows, there’s always Linux – distributions like Mint and Ubuntu are relatively easy to get started with, and you’ll find a wider variety of apps and services to lean on compared to ChromeOS. (They’re also totally free, which doesn’t hurt.)

These different operating systems can be fascinating to learn and live with, but you’ll need a certain appetite for mucking around with your tech to really benefit from them.

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Free Computer Basics Training Classes

Computer basics training that includes free instruction and a free Chromebook is available in East TN.

The class is designed for those with no computer experience, said Dayle Beyer, executive director of ROANEnet, a non-profit dedicated to digital equity and access.

“Our goal is to help everyone in the community become digitally literate,” Beyer said.

The three-hour classes are small—usually about a dozen students – and are held on Tuesday afternoons at the Morrison Hill Church. The classes are paced for adults that may have no prior experience with computers.

 “This is a great opportunity for someone who wants to learn how to use a computer for email, sharing photos and other basic tasks,” Beyer said.

Students are given a Chromebook and shown how to set up an email account and log on to the internet. Information is also provided to the students that will allow them to receive access to the internet at a reduced cost.

Stephanie Chambers said she heard about the class from friends in the community. She said she is considering going back to school to study to be an Emergency Medical Technician and wanted to improve her skills.

She said she found the class very useful.

“The instructor was very patient. He answered all my questions,” Chambers said.

Instructor Paul Jackson said the class is geared for those who have never used a computer. Most students catch on quickly to the basic tasks, he said.

“We have the time to work with each student individually if they need help,” he said.

ROANEnet plans to expand the classes beyond basic computer skills to include instruction in job search skills, digital commerce and business tools including word processing and spreadsheets, Beyer said.

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Tennessee Broadband Accelerate Program

Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development, University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, Benton Institute for Broadband & Society, and Heartland Forward worked on a new planning and capacity-building program to help Tennessee communities leverage historic broadband infrastructure funding for community-driven broadband expansion.

The Tennessee Broadband Accelerate program helped local governments throughout Tennessee receive expert support as they prepared to leverage new dollars that have been made available through the historic passage of the federal infrastructure program. The opportunity is made possible through the financial support of Heartland Forward and its Connecting the Heartland initiative.

Local units of government – particularly at the county level – were encouraged to apply to receive expert support offered as part of an intensive 16-week community engagement program, designed to turn available public broadband funding into sustainable broadband access. Six community teams were selected to participate in the first cohort, which began on April 12, 2023.

Roane County was one of the six community teams selected to participate. CLICK HERE for the final presentation of information.

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ROANEnet Receives Grant For Digital Literacy

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 30, 2024

ROANEnet, a Harriman, TN-based 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to improving digital literacy, has received a grant from the state to provide computer training to citizens of Roane and Rhea Counties.

ROANEnet will receive $254,079.00 for digital literacy training, according to a press release from the office of Gov. Bill Lee and the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD) Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter.

The state will award $162.7 million in broadband and digital opportunity grants that will provide broadband access and digital opportunity programs to more than 236,000 Tennesseans across 92 counties.

“Broadband is essential to all Tennesseans, and that’s why we are making strategic investments in our state’s broadband infrastructure and digital opportunity programs to create a pathway to education, job training, and greater opportunity statewide,”  Lee said.

“More than $715 million has been invested to expand broadband under Governor Lee’s administration, and we are excited to announce additional funding today that will ensure Tennesseans have access to and benefit from high-speed internet, which opens the door to high-quality job training,” said Commissioner McWhorter.

These initiatives are part of a broader strategy to ensure that all Tennessee residents have access to high-speed internet by 2028 and have opportunities to develop digital skills, access high-quality tech jobs, connect to broadband-enabled devices, and access online learning and telehealth resources.

ROANEnet has been distributing computers to the underserved and conducting digital skills training in Roane County and other East Tennessee communities for more than five years, said Dayle Beyer, Executive Director of ROANEnet.

“The grant money will be used to expand our computer basics training classes and to further our mission of enabling digital inclusion in East TN. We believe every individual in East TN deserves the opportunity to be part of the digital world. Our work is more than providing technology; it’s about opening up a world of possibilities, breaking down barriers, and building connected and empowered communities.” Beyer said.

For more information and scheduling of future computer training classes in Roane and Rhea Counties visit the ROANENET.org website.

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ROANEnet Offers Free Computer Training Classes at Loudon Senior Center

By Hugh Willett

Loudon County residents will be able to take advantage of free basic computer training classes to be held at the Loudon County Senior Center.

The classes, which are geared toward seniors and beginners, are being conducted by ROANEnet, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Harriman. Each student that completes the three-hour computer basics class is given a free Chromebook. 

At a recent class, about a dozen students began their training by setting up an email address for those who didn’t have one. Students with more experience helped those who were first-time computer users.

Loudon resident Paulette Griffin is a regular at the Senior Center. She said she signed up for the class to improve her skills and wants to take the more advanced class. “This is the first class I’ve taken and I’m learning things,” she said. “I’d like to learn how to manage my photographs and put together photo books.”

The students were introduced to the Chromebook and basic functions such as sending an email. Basic security including the use of two-factor authentication was explained to the class. ROANEnet executive director Dale Beyer explained to the class why organizing and saving passwords was important.

ROANEnet is able to conduct the classes and distribute the Chromebooks at no charge through government grants and donations including thousands of Chromebooks donated by local school departments.

“ROANEnet’s mission is to bridge the digital divide by helping to improve digital literacy and access to information, education and healthcare content,” Beyer said.

Visit Roanenet.org website or call the Loudon Senior Center at 865-458-5445 to sign up for upcoming classes.

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Roane County, TN Youth Provide Smartphone Training

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ROANE YOUTH PROVIDE SMARTPHONE TRAINING
Volunteers from Roane County’s Youth Leadership Class of 2024 and Harriman nonprofit Digital Smart will be conducting a free smartphone training class in July. The class, geared to novice and intermediate smartphone users, will be held July 11 at Morrison Hill Christian Church in Kingston from 10 am to 11:30 am.

The training will help smartphone users unlock more of the potential of their phones,” according to Ernest Cherbak, class mentor with Digital Smart. Students will learn how to text, set up passwords, send photos, and other activities using their smartphones, Cherbak said. The class will be taught by members of the Roane County Youth Leadership Class of 2024 as one of four community service projects the class choose to work on.

The class members are really excited to be able to serve their community in this way, said Kathy Parks, program director of Roane County Youth Leadership. “It’s part of becoming a leader,” she said.
Young people are very knowledgeable about the capabilities of their smartphones, according to Abby Stout, 2024 lead class member and one of the class instructors. She said she is looking forward to sharing her knowledge.

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11 Smart Ways to Save on Your Internet, Phone & Entertainment Bills

Saving money on your internet and other digital services is crucial for managing your budget. Here are several strategies you can employ to save money.

1. Leverage Free WiFi Locations: Many public spaces such as libraries, cafes, retailers, grocery stores, parks, churches, and community centers offer free WiFi access. By planning your internet usage around these locations, you can save on your data plan or reduce the need for a higher-speed (and higher-cost) home internet plan. This is especially useful for tasks that don’t require a secure connection, like browsing or streaming. Always ensure you are mindful of security when connecting to public networks, avoiding sensitive transactions like banking.

2. Check If You Qualify for the Lifeline Program: This federal program offers a $9.25 monthly discount on internet services to qualifying low-income subscribers. Check if you’re eligible at https://www.fcc.gov/lifeline-consumers

3. Explore Internet Provider-Specific Discounts:

  • Spectrum Internet Assist: Offers a high-speed internet plan at a reduced rate for qualifying households.
  • Xfinity Internet Essentials: A program for low-income families and individuals that provides affordable internet access.
  • AT&T Access: Offers discounted internet service to qualifying low-income households.
  • T-Mobile Lifeline: A discounted plan for qualifying customers based on their income or if they’re on government assistance.
  • Others: Call to ask if your local provider has a discounted internet plan. 

4. Bundle Services: If you’re using multiple services (like TV, internet, and phone), consider bundling them with the same provider to save money. Providers often offer discounts for combined services.

5. Negotiate Your Bill: Don’t hesitate to call customer service and negotiate your bill. Sometimes, mentioning a competitor’s offer or difficulty affording the current rate can lead to discounts.

6. Promotional Offers: Look for promotional offers for new or existing customers. Switching plans within your current provider or to a new one might lock in lower rates for a period.

7. Purchase Your Modem and Router: Monthly rental fees for modems and routers can add up. Buying your own devices can be a one-time expense that pays off over time.

8. Opt for a Lower Speed Plan: If your internet usage is low, consider downgrading to a lower-speed plan that costs less. Ensure the speed meets your essential internet use.

9. Ask About Special Discounts: Some providers offer discounts for students, seniors, military personnel, and other groups. Even if the discount is not advertised, it doesn’t hurt to ask.

10. Use Streaming Apps Instead of Traditional TV Services: With the vast array of streaming services available, consider canceling your traditional TV service. Platforms like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and others can provide a wealth of entertainment at a fraction of the cost. Evaluate your viewing habits to subscribe only to the services you honestly watch.

11. Utilize an HD Antenna for Free Local Channels: For local news, sports, and more, consider using an HD antenna. A one-time purchase can grant you access to free broadcast channels in your area. This can be a great way to keep up with local content without ongoing costs.

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