Scotty38

I'm making an assumption (and I may be incorrect) that you aren't aware of what is involved in managing and keeping working tens of thousands of computers that a business is reliant upon. Windows devices work perfectly well, can be managed properly and generally can be protected from crap. Despite what folk may think that would be a lot harder (even ignoring any cost differences) using Macs or Linux machines. Plus, most companies running more than a handful of devices typically don't buy the crap windows laptops you mention. No comment on your last sentence

Ok, you're a professional, cutting wood for a living hence you use a Stihl. That makes sense. The masses buy their B&Q saws for cutting a bit of wood for the fire now and then as a Stihl is too expensive. However, there are million and millions of corporate and small business pc users running and working in companies all around the world. Are they the equivalent pc using professionals? If they didn't work they wouldn't be used, much the same as the wood cutting professionals don't use Chinese saws. I am NOT saying Macs are no good just disagreeing with you saying PCs are not up to the task.

An unfair comparison. I think we'd all agree a Chinese saw may not last long and may not be up to the job. To suggest a windows pc is not up to the job is ridiculous. Yes, you may prefer a mac, its interface, its ease of use etc etc. You may also feel it's better value for money long term but a windows pc is not the equivalent of a chinese saw.

hmm I don't disagree Macs are nice but really? I work for Dell so I may be biased plus I use Linux machines at home but in 20 odd years of using PCs I've never had a virus or any drastic failure. I accept I am more careful with what I do but even so for the price of a Mac you could probably have 3-4 decent Windows laptops....

Do you reckon there's any correlation between people using wood as fuel (as opposed to decoration in a nice new stove) and those same people having oil fired heating too? I know it's a massive generalisation but I'm assuming most oil users are "ruralish" due to no gas and hence more likely to also use wood where possible. These users are probably kicking the arse out of oil given it's cheapish at the moment and the "decorative users" will start buying soon ready for the party season. Just wondered......

Thanks for the wood and good to meet you!

Appreciate the thought but no, well kids etc but a bit less than naff all chance of any benefits (of which I'm grateful if you see what I mean).

Thanks for all the comments, very much appreciated. I'm picking up on the way to go

Thanks, I guess I should have introduced myself but I didn't feel new as I've been around a little while although never posted until now To be fair we do seal up some of the draughts but some are difficult to do given the door's in use/the design of it and there's no obvious/easy/practical way I can get round it. Agree the house probably is colder with the fire going as it certainly draws in the cold air, does look good though.....

I realise there are loads of threads on best stove etc but I'm not really asking about a specific stove rather than the principle. We live in a smallish 3 bed farmhouse with oil fired central heating/water. We also have open fires in the lounge and dining room but we only use the one in the lounge. I have no idea how much wood I get through but so far it's all been free from friends/families trees etc. If I have the fire going then I can turn off the rad in the room but need the rest on to warm the rest of the house. We also get horrendous draughts when the fires in. We get the draughts anyway but obviously far worse when the fire's going. So, the million dollar question is whether I should even consider a stove. Assuming I can maintain the free wood (and a few bags of coal here and there) would there be any benefit? I'm really wondering if I could turn off more rads if I had a stove but just don't want to fork out all the money only to find I'm no better off. If it'll only ever heat the room I may as well save the money for bags of coal and throw it up the chimney. I also realise nobody can see my house and its layout so it's all guess work I suppose but would welcome opinions. However if it helps I have a front door (draughty) that opens into dining room with door into lounge (draughty). Back door opens into kitchen (draughty) and open(ish) plan into dining room. Door to stairs from dining room (blows a gale). Thanks in advance....