As a software developer, can you explain exactly what you mean by too much overhead?

By overhead, I mean why do I have to install Central, something I will never use, just to download a patch to a seperate executable.  I can simply use IE to got to a website, download the patch, and go about my merry business. Central is a complete installed program thats only purpose in life for me is to get the darn patch file once in a blue moon. I don't want a "support system" for a game. Since I have the CD, no activation required. My life don't revolve around this or any orther game.  Even 18MB of trash for me is trash.

Overhead = program that is not needed. uses Disk space, registry entries, updates for it, icons, Dll's, controls, etc. etc, ec. Seems like I am always cleaning up my system of trash I never use.  As a developer, I keep my machines lean and mean.   (kick arse fast and super reliable too!)

IMO that is.

By overhead, I mean why do I have to install Central, something I will never use, just to download a patch to a seperate executable.

SDC doesn't download a single executable. It downloads only the needed files to update your game. And you can make an archive before updating with SDC. Sometimes, that could be really helpful .

BTW, SDC have a chat client, making more convenient to got to the various Stardock IRC channels.

But it is your right not to use SDC.

Whilst this all sounds good, there is still one vital point: The version 1.0X is now NOT available in the downloads sections where it is supposed to be (apparently it can still be found somewhere, though I've not seen this for certain myself).

It is in the "Downloads" section. What you want is the "Bonus Pack". The description says that it includes version 1.0D, but if you download it, you'll find that it is 1.0X. The file name reflects this, too: GalCiv2_10X_BonusPack_030806.exe

Personally, I'm grateful for SDC, because without it, I would be stuck with the German version of GalCiv2 that can't be updated. SDC allows me to download the US version and start playing, without having to wait for a fix for the non-Englsh versions of the game (the serial number is compatible). I understand the problem of "internet only at work", but I prefer the SDC approach over "medium in drive" copy protections. It is one of the reasons why I bought the game. Anyway, perhaps the tip above helps a little.

While I do think SDC is a nice concept, it also crashes a lot for me. That made it a bit of a pain to download the game and all the multimedia files (I bought it online so I had to DL through SDC). Would be nice for us HONEST PAYING USERS to have other download options with being accused of piracy.

JesperEB,

To be fair to SD, you should have smart execptions (SE) running and try to crash SDC (man, there's a lot of initials!), SD has a long history of tracing down crash bugs, even if they impact a very small number of users.

Fordson,

Do you have another box at home? You're allowed to have GC2 installed on more than 1 computer, if you can't wait for them to post 1.1 to the download page you could try loading SDC on the second computer, downloading the patch and then coping it over to your main machine.

SDC is a terrible design. We need to keep pushing back against Stardock until they change/fix it. We also need to make it hard for hijackers to get updates and to support Stardock in fighting piracy.

I've got no problems with SDC -- keeps GC2 as well as OD up to date for me.

Stardock works well for me as well. Never had a problem.

I understand the frustration of those that are having problems, but it is not a complete failure for all of us.

Tony

Final release of 1.1 will be available stand-alone just like 1.0X is.

Stardock Central has nothing to do with copy protection or anti-piracy. It's just a lot easier for us to get updates onto than making a stand alone installer and has the advantage of only installing the files you need (i.e. the difference between downloading 40 megs and 5 megs).

 

At least SDC doesn't work properly.

My ingame Version says 1.0 and Central tells me no updates available
I've got the collectors edition but Central still tells me no updates available

I tried to download the ce-stuff from the download area -> CRC Error when installing.
So I removed the file from my pc and wanted to download it again, but somehow the link is gone
I wanted to manually update from 1.0 to 1.0X0.10 (or whatever the current version is) but the Retail Update Link just links to the same collectors edition download page ...

So what am I doing wrong?

Btw, did I forget to mention that I'm running a german Win2k?

"Stardock works well for me as well. Never had a problem.

I understand the frustration of those that are having problems, but it is not a complete failure for all of us."
...............

....lol....THAT is exactly what everyone said about Starforce when it first came out.....!
No thanks.....it's just more......junk/advertising/invasive unnecessary programs........ on my box.
I'd much rather just d/l the patch. They have enough copyright protection on this thing already.

We could do with an SDC forum as it's a much a valid target for feedback and ideas as the game itself. I personally think it could use some help, but then I'm just a big fan of the way Steam works (for the most part). SDC feels a little clunky, and also has real problems working with anything less than a Power User account which is very bad.

THAT is exactly what everyone said about Starforce

Show of hands all who find SDC blue screening their computer, using malware to damage the drives, and eventually destroying them?
None?

Difference between a download tool and basic malware.

I used Stardock Central because it allows me to check for the latest versions of my games that I have purchased through Stardock.  Since I am a member of Totalgaming.net checking each version of the game I have to see if I needed an update it is convient and I WISH other games I have worked as well as this does.  The fact is that I really wished it was that way because of the risk of loss of CD's (ala Diablo II which I can never play again [lost TWICE]), etc.  So in that regards its an excellent tool keeping track of the latest patches available for them.

As for 18.95mb that is NOTHING compared to the sizes of games, applications, ultilities, anti-spyware, etc.  That is not what I would consider overhead when it comes to my computer running smoothly.

I can see you feeling differently if you only owned one game from them and only needed to update that one.  Wait until the release of the final patch and download it from their site.  As for me I LOVE my stockdock central.

OK brand new newbie here.

My thoughts on SDC is that it's a bit painful. Hmm, in fact totally painful in many ways. (Probably doesn't help I accidentally registered my account and teh game under two different email addresses but... I read that warning afterwards)

I seem to end up having to 'register' GalCiv 2 multiple times before i could play. (Once done it now works but still havign to enter details two or three times???)

I had to activate it with SDC to get the download, then activate the game itself. (Can't this be combined???) And they MUST use different mechanisims as SDC could activate for me at work, (and allow me the download) but then won't run as the game's activation fails. (Firewall problem) Wierdly enough it worked OK at home...

In addition i did have problems with the initial registering, it thinking I had it installed (Had the demo) and havign to get rid of that totally before 'installing'. Involved restarting SDC a couple of times to get it to update the display.

My commetn anyway, and I think there is a point, if your going to use activation, try and set it up so you only have to activate once? Pretty please...

Woodwhisper

Woodwhipser, it isn't actually activation. The game will play without activiation, and won't end ever. If you update code from the client, and have a SDC account registered, that only requires one code I think.

Woodwhipser, it isn't actually activation. The game will play without activiation, and won't end ever. If you update code from the client, and have a SDC account registered, that only requires one code I think.

I am sure this is not he case if you replace your computer or update it in a major way.

Also, for those of you who think on-line activation is the way to go, Imagine you bought the game and want to play it on a new system next year.  God forbid, Stardock has some problem like Golem Labs and goes off line for a few months.  What are your options?  They don't include playing the game thats for sure!

They don't include playing the game thats for sure!

Yes they do. If you have the disc, you can still play 1.0, the version which won the editors choice awards repeatedly, so it isn't that terrible. And you can have it on as many computers as you like. For those without a disc, create one by burning all the game files onto a disc, and play your current version on your new comp. Activiation IS NOT NEEDED to play the game only to get updates.

Damn, this is 2 double posts in one day. What the hell is my comp doing?

StarDock Central is a download manager and software activation tool. 
Once you've got the game installed, and updated to your liking, you can
uninstall StarDock Central until the next major upgrade that you just have to
have immediately. 

If you happen to upgrade your OS, it's possible that the Activation will have to be done again, but that doesn't actually require SDC, or even a network connection on the computer you want to install on.

I can simply use IE to got to a website, download the patch, and go about my merry business.

oh, a "software developer" using IE? nice

oh, a "software developer" using IE? nice

Hehehehe. So, as a software developer, do you enjoy trying to get rid of the s***-storm of junk, spam and viruses you get?
Pfft.