I changed my theme back to the more familiar classic which helped me. I also looked up ways to make 7 more like xp (you can google that) and found many very helpful tips. Utilizing the windows 7 forums is helpful, a wealth of info there. Windows 7 Forums How to Make Windows 7 Look More like Windows XP a good article by Ed Bott that gives some more details and tips to help with moving on to 7 If you love Windows XP, you'll hate Windows 7 I also set my control panel to look like the classic style. Do some googling you can find so many great tips.

The point mainegrower brings up is quite true. The height of the chimney would influence the operation also. I think in your case, with the reduction at the rear of the stove, you have essentially redesigned the stove to operate with a 6 inch flue. In addition to the consultations mainegrower recommends, there are a few things you can do to adjust for any changes that may occur. Most important would be to keep the liner cleaned. That may require cleaning it once a month if you use it 24/7. The cleaning will keep the inside diameter of the liner from being reduced further from soot and creosote. Adjust the damper or air input adjustments a bit more open than before and add less wood at first. In other words, you will have to change your usual habits of loading and regulating the stove until you find out what the new characteristics of the liner have created and then remember them from year to year. There shouldn't be a tremendous difference but if by chance there is, increasing the height of the chimney may be needed. The extreme case if there is a big problem would be to replace the stove or rebuild the chimney or add an external flue system. I doubt you'll have to go there. I personally think your major areas of concern will be more frequent cleanings and damper adjustments.

Luis, In the Taskbar (Same Bar as the Start Button is in) you should also find a Icon with a Picture of a Folder, clicking on the Folder will take you to File Explorer also! Windows 10 isn't all that different from other Windows Operating Systems like Windows 98, XP, Vista or Windows 7. They do have a couple of things that are Labeled differently like Windows Explorer being named File Explorer or My Computer/Computer is now labeled This PC! Don't be afraid to click on a few things! You may want to consider watching a couple of videos on YouTube about using Windows 10. They can help you tremendously. Windows 10 Tricks and Tips

I have been in your shoes! Good call with putting in heavy drapes, it does help. For your windows, I would change out the single curtain rods for double ones, extend the length past the windows on either side, hang sheer drapes on the inner rod and even thicker ones on the outer. Make sure you get enough thick curtain panels to bunch up on either side, at least double what you have now in the living room. Get plush rugs instead of the flat pile area rugs and put one in your dining, under the table. I hate to cover the tile detail but would sacrifice that for the sake of ears (and sanity). You're right about leather not helping reduce noise! It amplifies it. Large textured throw pillows and draping thick textured throws over the backs of furniture helps. Canvas art without glass is great too! To boost their echo stopping power, you can fill the empty space behind it with foam or cut a flat acoustic panel to size and put in behind it. I'd also put acoustic panels behind all of your current art work.