It is not a con, free/trial version are as is at whatever version, only updated at download sites when at release versions, as in not betas.

Also most Stardock free/trial versions are not upgradeable so should/must be uninstalled before installing full/Pro versions.

STRONGLY RESENT IMPOSITION OF IMPULSE

I tried and liked the free 'stand-alone' version of Fences; therefore, I bought Fences Pro.  Again, I bought Fences Pro...and Fences Pro ONLY!  I did not expect to receive another piece of software...and then be compelled to install that software--Impulse--in order to receive and install the purchased software.  It is simply dead wrong to sell a piece of software and then require the installation of another piece of software.   Even the tyrannical Microsoft does not resort to such egregious tactics...forcing an unwanted piece of software upon their customers.  

Others have pointed out that the 'system requirements' mention Impulse.  But said requirement is NOT clearly defined, stating only "Impulse must be installed in order to download and update software."  That short one sentence does not adequately inform the first-time client as to what 'Impulse' is.  It is deceptively vague.

Others have said that Impulse is an innocuous piece of software that uses little system resources.  Maybe so.  But, nonetheless, Impulse does place 'keys and values' into the registry of Windows.  And I don't care to litter my registry with unneeded and unwanted junkware. I prefer my registry to remain lean and mean to maintain optimum performance of Windows.

Perhaps Impulse serves the interests of those who bought a bunch of the game software.  That is wonderful great.  But that should not preclude Stardock from offering a standalone version of Fences Pro for those who just want that handy utility and nothing more!  (Consequently, I have not followed through with buying the Icon-related software.)

Well gee wiz how much clearer can it be. if stating that impulse must be installed isn't enough....then I don't know how to better inform you that Impulse must be installed in order to download and update software.

Now.

If I'm unsure what a proggy is and does, I usually do a bit of research before installing it.

Anyway, you can uninstall impulse after downloading fences if you feel like it. Note that you won't be able to get any (free) updates to the product you purchased without impluse, though.

Then wouldn't a bare-bones OS better suit your requirements? In other words,just a plain default desktop without Fences at all? I had no idea installing software will slow my rig down to a crawl. Thanks for the tip.

It also doesn't clearly state that a computer and electricity are required.

You are right Cavan1 never was any uproar when Stardock Central was around!

Makes my life easy by keeping track of my Stardock apps that's for sure!

It also makes re installing and registering all your paid for software simple, fast and easy. For those with only one or two apps this may not be that big of a deal but for those with many it is well worth the alleged "bloat"

Yes, there was....not quite so much vitriol....but people couldn't see the use/sense/logic of SDC either.

Incidentally...it's now effectively defunct having been replaced by Impulse.... but I still use it 24/7 as it's a 'convenient' IRC client.

As a matter of interest Microsoft DOES use similar installers/downloaders/updaters - though in their case they tend to be 'hidden' within the OS/application, and if you look CLOSELY within just about each and every Proggy you DO install......there's more than one executable....and guess what those other ones are....

....updaters and uninstallers.

You know....it makes a heck of a lot of sense to just have ONE!!!!

IMPULSE.

at least with Impulse you can turn off the automatic updates, especially since every time you open it up there seems to be an update available.

then there are those other programs (AVG, itunes, flash, etc.) that just pop up at inopportune times to inform you of updates or special offers that one is not interested in. hate getting kicked out of a game to be informed of an update.

will civV be available on impulse?

Hehe, people just don't remember all the bitching when the forum were changed from 1 to 3 to however many we have.  Also when they changed to SDC and them impulse.  Hell I even bitched.  Hated learning all over again after I got into my comfort zone.

STRONGLY RESENT IMPOSITION OF IMPULSE

I tried and liked the free 'stand-alone' version of Fences; therefore, I bought Fences Pro. Again, I bought Fences Pro...and Fences Pro ONLY! I did not expect to receive another piece of software...and then be compelled to install that software--Impulse--in order to receive and install the purchased software. It is simply dead wrong to sell a piece of software and then require the installation of another piece of software. Even the tyrannical Microsoft does not resort to such egregious tactics...forcing an unwanted piece of software upon their customers.

Others have pointed out that the 'system requirements' mention Impulse. But said requirement is NOT clearly defined, stating only "Impulse must be installed in order to download and update software." That short one sentence does not adequately inform the first-time client as to what 'Impulse' is. It is deceptively vague.

Others have said that Impulse is an innocuous piece of software that uses little system resources. Maybe so. But, nonetheless, Impulse does place 'keys and values' into the registry of Windows. And I don't care to litter my registry with unneeded and unwanted junkware. I prefer my registry to remain lean and mean to maintain optimum performance of Windows.

Perhaps Impulse serves the interests of those who bought a bunch of the game software. That is wonderful great. But that should not preclude Stardock from offering a standalone version of Fences Pro for those who just want that handy utility and nothing more! (Consequently, I have not followed through with buying the Icon-related software.)

We heard ya the first time

WHY IMPULSE IS A BAD REQUIREMENT

Aye, Stardock does mention Impulse in the system requirements for Fences Pro. BUT!  That 'fine print' notice is inadequate and vague, as well as placed in an inappropriate location.

 The Impulse requirment does not explain what Impulse is.  It does not state that Impulse is a seperate piece of software.  After using the free version--sans Impulse, I thought that Impulse was an important feature of the Pro version of Fences!  How shocked I was to discover that Impulse was independent software that must be installed BEFORE I could use the software that I paid for!  Stardocks gave me more than I bargained for--and that is unethical!

 The SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS section of all other software tells the prospective software what is required of his PC system in order to use the software.  That is, the purpose of SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS is to inform a buyer that his PC's hardware and software must meet minimum requirements in order to run the software.  For instance, it may tell a buyer that his PC must have a minimum amount of RAM.  Or tell a MAC user that the software can only be used on a Windows PC.  SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS is NEVER used as a section to disclose a 'security' matter that requires installation of additional software.  Thus, and again, Stardocks' disclosure of the Impulse requirement is inadequate and deceptive.  THEY COULD HAVE VERY EASILY & CLEARLY EXPLAINED THE IMPULSE REQUIREMENT BY PLACING THE WRITTEN NOTICE IN A MORE NOTICABLE LOCATION AND OFFERING A DESCRIPTION OF IMPULSE!  That would have averted my complaint herein.

 As far as the costs associated with producing a standalone version of Fences, virtually every other software manufacturer makes standalone software....and they sell their software for a profit.  Heck, I would have cheerfully paid $10 more or so for a standalone Fences Pro!  ALSO, all manufacturers of standalone software have implemented cost-effective solutions for addressing software piracy and issuing updates.  Sorry, but manufacturing costs, license security, and updates are not sufficient reasons to impose Impulse on buyers of Fences Pro!

Thank you for your illuminating reply, 2of3.  And now you heard from me for a third time.  Too bloody bad!

Must be to Download and Update software;

Just how is this vague??

Cavan1, WHAT???

How does Stardocks' only statement of the Impulse requirement adequately inform the buyer as to what Impulse is?  There is only one sentence of eleven words stating "Impulse must be installed in order to download and update software."  Now, how does that sentence adequately describe Impulse?  How does it describe or explain what Impulse is?  Hence, the Impulse requirement as written IS vague!  Furthermore, Stardocks placed notice of the Impulse requirement in a deceptive location. 

A System Requirements section of a software description is intended to inform a potential buyer as to the minimum requirements of his PC system (in order to run the software correctly).  By virtue of the software industry's long standard usage of the System Requirements section, a potential software buyer would not think to look in Fences' System Requirements to learn whether or not he is required to install a seperate piece of software (which is an uncommon practice in itself).  That is a deceptive use of the System Requirements section.  Sorry, but that is the truth!

SADLY, Stardocks could have easily avoided this controversary and this buyer's discontent by simply placing a more informative notice of the Impulse requirement in a more noticable location on Fences' web page.

For the reasons stated above and in my other posts, SHAME ON STARDOCKS! 

Bottom line, you want Stardock software, you use Impulse. You don't like it, don't use Stardock software.

This site has enough drama without this kind of silliness. At least Stardock isn't trying to sneak it in on you like all those apps that sneak in spyware, or a yahoo or google toolbar.

If your PC is so low on resources or space that you can't run what is essentially a download manager, then you don't need Stardock products anyway, you don't have the resources to run them.

Besides, it only runs for the 3 minutes it takes to install or update your app, then you shut Impulse down. No big deal.

And it gives you access to several free apps.

Enough already.

I think this post's very existence invites more of this junk.

This is getting redundant in a hurry.

prston - If you have an issue with the requirements of Impulse to download and update Stardock software, or the assumed lack of adequate notification of that requirement, then email support@stardock.com and raise your complaint.

MISGUIDED REDNECK MISSES THE POINT ENTIRELY!

Quite right, it is Stardocks' right to impose Impulse on buyers of Fences Pro.  If I don't like it, I should not buy Fences Pro.  But that is NOT the issue or the problem! 

Stardocks is obligated to clearly and adequately inform potential buyers about the requirement to install Impulse.  Stardocks fails to do that. 

Stardocks does not adequately inform potential buyers about the Impulse requirement.  Their statement about the Impulse requirement does not explain what Impulse is or what it does--it is inadequate and vague!  Also, it is placed in the wrong location on the Fences web page; therefore, potential buyers are unlikely to notice the Impulse requirement before hitting the 'buy' button.

It does not matter that Impulse is a relatively harmless piece of software.  Just as Stardocks has the right to require Impulse as a prerequisite to using Fences, I too have the right to decide what software to install or not to install ON MY PC!  If Stardocks fails to give adequate notice of the Impulse requirement, then Stardocks has abused my right of choice.

IN ESSENCE, Redneck, your point is like saying that if the government abolishes the right to practice religion, it shouldn't matter to atheists.  Sorry, but Stardocks the manfacturer has rights...but I the Consumer have rights too.  SUCH IS THE HEART AND THE IMPORTANCE OF THIS ISSUE!

If a potential user/purchaser is greatly concerned about 'what' is required/installed with/for a product he should certainly be looking into the system requirements notice if for NOTHING else but to verify the product is compatible with his Operating System version.

Little things like XP vs Vista vs Win7 ....32bit vs 64.

The requirement [for Impulse] is not hidden.  It is listed.

If a potential user/purchaser is uncertain as to what Impulse is, as with any product purchase/choice he/she should research/ask, as would be expected if a particular person was overly concerned about what he/she was doing/adding to his/her system.

Again, all [of the better] software has mechanisms included WITHIN the program download/purchase which are not the actual program [in this case Fences] but are installers/updaters/uninstallers.

With lesser product companies each program you purchase from them will typically contain individual flotsam. With Stardock's wide range of software [and games] there is simply one.

Your 'disappointment/confusion' is noted, however it is unlikely to alter Impulse being a "System requirement" any time soon.