We don't have any gates but we do have a playpen that's set up surrounding our computer desk. We don't have enough rooms to have a separate study so the computer is in the living room. There are so many cords & things that I don't want destoyed or could be dangerous so I think it's justified. We have a single level house so we don't need to block off stairs. I have often thought about what I'd do if we did have stairs, & I would definately use a gate. While it's great the kids have freedom, they also need to be safe, & it's impossible to be watching them every second. It only takes a second for an accident to happen so better safe than sorry IMO.