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Brad's Impulse Launch Review

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Brad's Impulse Launch Review

from JoeUser Forums

Impulse is the greatest thing since sliced bread...yada yada yada.

But how good is it really? Ultimately, only you will be able to decide.  What I'm going to do here is give my personal opinion on how Impulse stands on the eve of its launch.

[more]

The Comparisons

Let's just get this out of the way, Impulse is not Steam or Direct2Drive or Xfire or whatever.  It's has a very different design philosophy.  So let me just say this: You would have to pry Steam out of my cold dead hands.  You should judge Impulse as how well it addresses your problems.

First Impressions

image

So I double click on the Impulse icon.  How fast does it load?  On my ThinkPad T60 it's about 5 seconds but YMMV.  In its phase 2 edition (August) I think we need to make it more multithreaded so that when you launch it, it comes up like a window. I.e. instantly.  But it is pretty snappy (a lot faster for me than the betas were).

My next question would be, how much RAM is this thing using?

image

On load up, about 15 megabytes which is pretty good given that Internet Explorer uses 84 megabytes! 

The Store

From a digital e-commerce point of view, the million dollar question is, how good is the selection in the Impulse store?  With Steam or Direct2Drive, I can get a gazillion different games.  So what about Impulse? The answer depends on what you're looking for. 

The first week of the Impulse launch will be spent handling the logistics of getting hundreds of gigabytes of games, utilities, and applications up on the servers. So what is available at say 1pm on the day of the launch will be different from what is available at 5pm of the same day with each day adding more and more stuff.

imageBut by Christmas, I suspect it won't be selection that makes one choose one digital store over another but rather the features and services that these things provide.  Impulse, for instance, supports refunds for users having technical issues. That's a pretty big deal IMO. As far as I know, that will be unique to Impulse.

Community Features

So that we're all on the same page, Impulse isn't just a download manager ala Stardock Central.  It is a full blown digital distribution platform.  The platform comes in the form of Impulse Reactor which is a server-side virtual API set for developers.

A developer could, for instance, using the free Impulse Reactor SDK (which will be launched in mid August) type into their game: CVP.SaveGame() and save their game to the player's virtual drive.  Or CVP.LoadPreferences() to get a game's preferences.

The first game to make use of the Common Virtual Platform will be The Political Machine.  Unfortunately, The Political Machine v1.1 wasn't ready by the Impulse launch so we had to hide the "Games" button from the community area for multiplayer match making.  As soon as it's ready, the button will come back and players will be able to find games either there or within The Political Machine itself.  Other games that will be using it include Sins of a Solar Empire, Galactic Civilizations II v2.0, and Demigod.  We are also working with a number of third party developers to begin using this.

Blogging

I am very biased in favor of non-website whenever possible. I just find website stuff slow. 

The blogging and forum behavior on Impulse is pretty fast but I'd like to see it much faster.  As in, instantaneous.

I think in the coming weeks you'll see a lot of improvements to performance across the whole thing as the initial launch was largely about just getting stuff in there.

My Friends

image The friends stuff is a pretty big deal for me as both a user and as a gamer.  It's only in its beginning stages really.  Eventually, you'll be able to easily get games going and filter by friends or friends of friends to help improve the multiplayer experience.

When I play on-line, my biggest gripe is the griefing and such I run into.  I'm 36 years old, I just don't have time to waste in a multiplayer game with some 15 year old whose out to "max their ranking".

Features that didn't make to the launch that make me sad

There are 3 big features that had to be put into phase 2 (August) that make me sad. The Impulse side was done but we just didn't have enough time on the game side to make use of them yet.

Those are:

  1. Multiplayer Matchmaking.  People could start and join games right from Impulse.
  2. Achievements.
  3. Game Rankings.

They'll get in there, we just have to update The Political Machine and other games to make use of them so that we can show off what's possible to game developers.

The same is true for NAT negotiation and such.  One of the biggest pains in the butt on the PC is getting ports and firewalls set up right for a game. In Impulse phase 3, the Impulse back end will be set up to act as a kind of back-up for games that use our platform.  So a user could connect to another user without knowing anything about routers and what not.  We're hoping Demigod will be the first game to make use of this.

Getting Updates

image So right now, there's a tab called "Updates" that shows up if there are updates to ones programs.  I'd like to see an option put in asap that simply has Impulse download these updates automatically.

My other request is that when downloading updates, I want to see my actual bandwidth speed. I realize this is cosmetic but somewhere, techies should be able to get some idea of how fast their connections are.

Getting to my stuff

imageImpulse lets users add new categories to  their applications and move things around via the dock (we'll talk about that more soon).

If there's an update, an exclamation point shows up next to it.

What's not in the launch version are forums for every application or a chat channel. Eventually everything will get its own forum and chat channel.

Registering your stuff

image Users can associate various programs with their account.  Right now, the only commercial programs that you can associate with your account are Stardock ones and programs you bought from Impulse. But the next step is to let you be able to associate any program with your account regardless of where you purchased it.

This way, when are setting up a new machine, you can just let Impulse download and install all your stuff (freeware, shareware, games, whatever).

Preferences

image Clicking on the orb in the top left opens up additional options.  You can set up where things install on a per category basis:

image

The Dock

Impulse is designed to customizeable.  The initial launch doesn't have the skinning selection features in. That's coming "real soon now(TM)". But you can add and edit your own categories:

image 
Extending Impulse

When you press the minimize to dock, Impulse launches the dock:

image
Impulse Dock

The dock displays the same content as the Impulse client. By default, it is set to auto-hide so it will hide to the taskbar edge with the user able to bring it up by moving their mouse to the bottom edge of the screen.

The dock is pretty powerful and yet light weight.

We plan to release later on an Impulse Tray applet that users can optionally use to stay in touch with friends, posts, updates, etc.  It will not be part of Impulse itself as it will be designed to be as tiny as possible. 

So what's next?

I think most people will find Impulse pretty compelling. Initially, its game content is not on par with Steam or Direct2Drive but that should change over time.  Obviously on the non-game software side, it enjoys a tremendous advantage. 

Impulse itself is pretty snappy but I found the forums and blog services be a bit on the slow side. This will be something Stardock will need to improve.

Download speeds of new programs, by contrast are fast. Faster than anything I've ever used anywhere.

The customization features, while decent, could be a lot better. I.e. I'd like to be able to select from a list of skins.  Stardock's the leader in this area so it's something that it will be adding and supporting through its skinning site, WinCustomize.com.

It will be important that Impulse show off the features of Impulse Reactor as quickly as possible.  Getting the Multiplayer matchmaking in should be up by the end of the month.  Achievements, rankings, etc. are all going to be crucial as well.

I'd like to be able to filter out programs that are available but not installed. I'm an extreme case since I have a ton of things linked to my account but still.

I think people will be pleasantly surprised at how fast and memory efficient the overall program is.  Given how pretty it is, on might expect it to be slow and a memory hog but even in its first release, it's really snappy.

341,406 views 126 replies
Reply #51 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
You're free to not use the program. You're free to code your own.
End of quote

That's precisely what like it or lump it means. As I've said I will in fact vote with my feet and merely not use the program and thereby forgo updates.

The only reason I respond here at all is because Impulse is being promulgated as the best thing since sliced bread (the opening statement of the OP in point of fact) and I merely wish to add my opinion that I disagree to what otherwise is basically an Impulse love fest.

Consider this a minority opinion that you're perfectly free to ignore but I am still perfectly free to express or at least I don't think the First Amendment has been repealed quite yet. I don’t deny you the right to your opinion, why do you wish to deny me the right to express mine?
Reply #52 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Consider this a minority opinion that you're perfectly free to ignore but I am still perfectly free to express or at least I don't think the First Amendment has been repealed quite yet. I don’t deny you the right to your opinion, why do you wish to deny me the right to express mine?
End of quote
I don't think the first amendment applies on a privately owned server but you are welcome to your opinion.
Object Desktop - Get all of our enhancement utilities in one suite
Reply #53 from Stardock Forums Top

I'd like to say that your (plural) replies to Mumblefratz aren't really fair

First, saying "our target audience is people who like our software, so if you don't like it, then we don't care about you" is not a valid (albeit commonly used) reply at all. Target audience is for authors to consider while they develop their product. It's not a valid classification of actual end users.

Second, the things that are lost when moving from downloadable patches to some kind of "distribution platform" should not be so easily ignored. For example, I like to play relatively old games. Recently I bought a copy of Thief 2. If it was tied into some distribution system, it would probably be either unplayable, or unpatchable. In some cases the latter implies the former, since initial releases of many games are not really playable.

Essentially, what many distribution and update systems do is to make the game a kind of temporary service rather than a thing you buy. Now, the law treats software as a licensed service, but that's because the law is disconnected from reality. When I buy a game I think about it exactly the same way I think about buying a book. So far nobody managed to show me that this mode of thinking is somehow wrong, and I saw plenty of examples that the alternatives are flawed.

Third, what would happen if every publisher tried to push their distribution system with every game they sell? Just think about it.

...

My primary concern is as follows: after I bough the game and downloaded the patches through Impulse, what would happen if I have to resinatall the OS? With standalone patches, I could back them up, reinstall the system, reinstall the game, and apply the patches, without ever connecting to the Internet. I don't like the idea of the game being forever tied to some online service, since their lifespans are incomparable.

...

You're free to not use the program. You're free to code your own.
End of quote

Translation: I don't like what you said, so shut up. That's not a valid reply either. You're not addressing the criticism,  just telling people what to do.

Reply #54 from WinCustomize Forums Top
My primary concern is as follows: after I bough the game and downloaded the patches through Impulse, what would happen if I have to resinatall the OS? With standalone patches, I could back them up, reinstall the system, reinstall the game, and apply the patches, without ever connecting to the Internet. I don't like the idea of the game being forever tied to some online service, since their lifespans are incomparable.
End of quote
Impulse (and Stardock Central before it) supports archiving your apps (with patches and running anywhere you want without internet connections.
You're free to not use the program. You're free to code your own.

Translation: I don't like what you said, so shut up. That's not a valid reply either. You're not addressing the criticism, just telling people what to do.
End of quote
That comment, in context, is about freedom (freedom based on class even [and a bit of research would indicate that Brad's "class" came from hard work]) and is an accurate acknowledgment of options.  The criticism is that the user doesn't like something . . OK.  Fair enough.  Tough.  If you like the product you use the service.  Don't like this service? Find another (like retail without patches) or do without.
Reply #55 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
I don't think the first amendment applies on a privately owned server but you are welcome to your opinion.
End of quote

That is indeed correct but Brad has in the past shown a fair amount of reverence for the principle and as we all know and understand Brad is King of Stardock and these forums.

"It's good to be King". I think it was Mel Brooks that said this but that makes it no less true. I do understand that I walk a fine line subject to his tolerance but to the best of my knowledge I have been both respectful and civil.

I'd like to say that your (plural) replies to Mumblefratz aren't really fair
End of quote

Thanks.

I'm really trying to get across a very simple concept.

I love GalCiv2.

I would like to receive GalCiv2 updates.

I dislike Impulse.

All of the above are personal opinions with which people are free to disagree but no one can deny are legitimate ones to have.

Since I must make a choice between receiving GalCiv2 updates and using Impulse I will forgo GalCiv2 updates. However, I'm not required to be happy about it and I do believe I have the right to express this unhappiness as long as it's done in a respectful and civil manner subject to the whim of the owner of this privately owned site.

Most objections to my simple expression of my opinion have been basically to deny that my opinion is a reasonable one to hold. I maintain that argument is itself an unreasonable argument.

I object to installing apps I don't want. I take great care to only install things I both use and want. Uninstall does not restore the system to its original state. Any services installed cannot be uninstalled. Any installed services can be disabled but usually aren't by the uninstall process. The uninstall process usually leaves dangling registry keys. Over time your registry becomes an unknowable mess. Basically this is why I object to installing things that I don't want.

You may say, SDC/Impulse doesn't do any of this, but how do I know it doesn't. Why should I take my time and effort installing and having to understand an app that I simply don't want on my PC.

You cannot say that my opinion is invalid. I came by my predilections honestly. I keep a very clean PC. I have a pretty good knowledge and understanding of everything on my PC. That's the way I insist upon it. You can disagree with my opinion and hold any counter opinion that you wish however you cannot say that I am wrong simply to hold the opinion that I do.

I'm merely a voice crying in the wilderness knowing full well nothing will change because of it. I merely express it so that people will realize that the acceptance of Impulse is not universal. Those that criticize me for merely holding a contrary opinion somehow seem threatened by this lack of universal acceptance. I don't quite understand how the simple expression of an isolated contrary opinion seems so threatening.
Reply #56 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
If you like the product you use the service. Don't like this service? Find another (like retail without patches) or do without.
End of quote

There is a third legitimate option.

Use the product, forgo the service and respectfully complain to those in charge about having to forgo the service. This is at least what I've been trying to do.

The problem has been that at every turn I've been either ridiculed or basically told that the opinion is not a valid opinion to have.

I acknowledge that Impulse is and will be the update mechanisim for GalCiv2 updates and the only choice I have is to use it or go without updates. I'm fine with that.

What I'm not fine with is to essentially be told that my opinion is wrong and I should just shut up.
Reply #57 from WinCustomize Forums Top

There is a good discussion going here and it pains me to see people flaming dissenters.  I don't want our forums to be an environment where only advocates feel welcome.  If people can't voice their disagreements and concerns without fear of retribution, we'll lose a very valuable resource.

That said, the PC needs a platform like this. It needs it badly. And if it isn't made by Stardock, it'll be made by someone else.  And I suspect other alternatives won't be as open as Impulse is.

A combination of unresistable factors are forcing companies to build or use platforms like this. Support costs. Piracy. Cost of development.

The belief that the long term option is something like Impulse or some minimalistic installer is a false belief. It's not going to work out that way any more than people who didn't like GUIs when they were first coming online ever had a realistic option of living totally by the DOS command prompt.

If it's not Stardock it'll be digital river, or Amazon, or EA, or Steam, or someone else. The question is only a matter of which platform do you think is the most acceptable.

The industry has seen how well these things work on consoles. So it's not a matter of if. It's when.

That was one of my motivations for us making Impulse.  I know there's plenty of minimalists out there but I also know that we have the capability to make a truly great digital platform that is minimally invasive and works in an open way so that developers aren't tied into us.

So while I appreciate the feedback, this is the direction we've chosen to go.  We think it's the direction most of our customers want us to go and the one that will benefit consumers the most in the long haul.

 

Reply #58 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
There is a good discussion going here and it pains me to see people flaming dissenters. I don't want our forums to be an environment where only advocates feel welcome. If people can't voice their disagreements and concerns without fear of retribution, we'll lose a very valuable resource.
End of quote

I don't feel particularly flamed except by one or two whose opinion I don't value hence their flames are meaningless. It's mostly the response to voicing my opinion that goes something like, "just don't use the features you don't like" or "install to get the update then uninstall" and variations on these themes. Basically these arguments say that my opinion is not valid. This is the only aspect of this discussion to which I object.

That said, the PC needs a platform like this. It needs it badly. And if it isn't made by Stardock, it'll be made by someone else. And I suspect other alternatives won't be as open as Impulse is.
A combination of unresistable factors are forcing companies to build or use platforms like this. Support costs. Piracy. Cost of development.
The belief that the long term option is something like Impulse or some minimalistic installer is a false belief. It's not going to work out that way any more than people who didn't like GUIs when they were first coming online ever had a realistic option of living totally by the DOS command prompt.
If it's not Stardock it'll be digital river, or Amazon, or EA, or Steam, or someone else. The question is only a matter of which platform do you think is the most acceptable.
The industry has seen how well these things work on consoles. So it's not a matter of if. It's when.
End of quote

I guess. I mean all of this seems very centric to the game industry and I certainly can't speak to that. The only modern game that I own is GalCiv2 and I see no move to implement something like this for any of the other few limited apps that I have on my PC. In any case I'll take your word that this kind of distribution mechanism is essential to the PC Gaming industry and would most certainly agree that if such is the case I would trust something from Stardock versus something from any of the other companies mentioned.

However relating this to a GUI versus command line OS seems a bit of a stretch, every PC requires an OS, every PC most certainly isn't used for gaming or is merely used as an alternative to consoles. Now if you're telling me that I'll have to use Impulse or it's like to update my Office suite or Visio or my Mentor Graphics Schematic Design tools, or VHDL simulation and synthesis tools or PCB layout tools then that's a much different story. However like I said I've seen no move towards anything like this except in the PC gaming industry and to me that is a very small and isolated part of why I own a PC.

this is the direction we've chosen to go. We think it's the direction most of our customers want us to go and the one that will benefit consumers the most in the long haul.
End of quote

I know, understand and acknowledge this. I would just like the simple acknowledgement that my opinion is a valid one for me to hold without people telling me that I'm somehow deluded or backwards or ignorant for holding it.
Reply #59 from WinCustomize Forums Top
It's mostly the response to voicing my opinion that goes something like, "just don't use the features you don't like" or "install to get the update then uninstall" and variations on these themes. Basically these arguments say that my opinion is not valid. This is the only aspect of this discussion to which I object
End of quote


I would consider those to be suggested alternatives to going without rather than looking at them as statements that your opinion is invalid.

But that's just my opinion ;)
Reply #60 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
YOU LEFT OUT THAT YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO INSTALL GAMES IF YOU ARE RUNNING XP64
Reply #61 from Stardock Forums Top
I would just like the simple acknowledgement that my opinion is a valid one for me to hold without people telling me that I'm somehow deluded or backwards or ignorant for holding it.
End of quote
Every opinion is valid.  That does not make it shared or a fact.   ;)   No one is dismissing your opinion, but few here appear to agree with it or your associated actions based on it.  You seem to ahve taken a stance counter to the prevailing market.  Either you or the market will change.  Either way, we'll all move on.  :)
Reply #62 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
I don't think this is just for games, not in the long run. Sure, games can use platforms like this, but it's looking like that's where everything is going.

The problem is, Windows' shell and update systems simply suck. The Start Menu is frankly not very good. Installing and uninstalling applications is hidden under the control panel. "All Programs" is a flat list with no organization at all, and ends up being a wall of company names. Keeping your computer organized is practically a full time job. The interface is in bad need of a complete GUI overhaul.

Web applications simply suck. They're slow, they often don't render correctly, and they're not available offline. Their core benefit, being able to access the information anywhere, is also their core drawback: If you want to be truly safe, you won't use public computers to access them. Which means you're back to using a personal device to access the Internet. Which pretty much negates the need to go online in the first place, since you can likely sync your device with your home computer.

We are definitely headed towards a system like Impulse or Steam, and we're headed towards it for applications as well as games. Even Microsoft may be headed in that direction: Their new Games folder hints of it, as well as their upcoming Live Mesh service. I've heard that the members of the Office UI team may be working on the next version of Windows Shell. That's just rumor, but the truth is that the Windows shell does need a complete overhaul on the same scale that Office 2007 went through.
Reply #63 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
You seem to ahve taken a stance counter to the prevailing market. Either you or the market will change
End of quote

Correct me if I'm wrong but "the market" here that seems so all encompassing to you is the PC gaming market. Is this a correct assumption on my part?

If so, then I submit that it's a little presumptuous on your part to assume that the end all and be all purpose of my PC is to simply act as a host for games. Nothing could be further from the truth. Gaming is an insignificant function of my computer and to install what amounts to an entire game purchase/management/update system for the purposes of a single program is what seems silly to me.

To you, your games are the entire universe and you assume that your "market" feels the same way. While I would guess that a large segment of your market does indeed use their computer pretty much exclusively for games, I would also suggest that a not too small percentage are professionals that use their PC's to actually earn a living in some manner or other and may on occasion happen to play a game or two. Those are the people that may feel like me and object to your assumption that the only purpose of their PC is to allow them to be a better customer to you.

Also I never claimed that everyone shared my opinion or that anyone’s opinion is fact. An opinion is subjective by nature and is only true for the person holding it. Also in point of fact many *have* explicitly dismissed my opinion, but I don't feel like taking the effort of making specific quotes along with an argument as to why each quote essentially denied the validity of my opinion, particularly when most folks here seem predisposed to dismiss my arguments assuming they even bother to read them in the first place.

As far as either I or "the market" will change perhaps you are correct. But I can guarantee that I'm not changing. Again I think it's a matter of your looking at the limited confines of the PC gaming industry and assuming that encompasses the universe of all that matters. Perhaps to you it is, but to me and many others it isn't, but perhaps those folks don't matter to you because they don't play or own many games.
Reply #64 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Absolutely love GalCiv and everything (except a few bugs) about the game itself. Easily the best AI in a TBS I've ever encountered and I have nothing but respect for the skill of the programmers so please understand I am not trying to berate anyone.

I really like the idea of getting updates for GalCiv and expansions. I don't like having to keep installing these other things. I had to install Stardock and do some frustrating things just to buy TA a couple weeks ago. --Actually just to play not buy, the money exchange was nearly instant :) -- Two weeks later I have to install this massive application or platform or whatever it is just to get the patch to the game I had just bought. A patch I needed in order to make TA run like it's supposed to.

What's to stop other games from making me get their massive applications just to get a patch? NOthing. Actually, if this Impulse is as successful as most of Brad's products, it will encourage others to make their own versions in order to find anohter way of producing money via ads. I have read enough about Frogboy to believe his intentions are good and he only means to add to the gaming experience of a certain sector of his fanbase/customers, but MAKING evryone install these other things to get a patch that fixes a game we bought is a bit much in my opinion. I want none of the features of this thing. I love playing the game at home and don't worry about any metaverse thing either, most customers of the game do not use the metaverse, so why make us all have to install these things?

Can't I just have a patch to downlaod at the GC2 website and be on my merry way? If not that, can you please tell me how to turn off this doggone toolbar that invaded my windows? Honestly, developers, how would you like it if every app you download forced a toolbar onto your operating system? An icon is enough especially since only those interested in this app will use it anyway and the rest of us, having already been forced to install this application don't need it popping up on our screen with a scroll of the mouse.

Again, I truly believe the intentions were good, but seriously, all I wanted is a patch to fix the weird things.

Reply #65 from Stardock Forums Top

Amazing job this Impulse, feeling homelike here :)

respect!

Reply #66 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
"All Programs" is a flat list with no organization at all, and ends up being a wall of company names. Keeping your computer organized is practically a full time job. The interface is in bad need of a complete GUI overhaul.
End of quote

You're right assuming that you install everything everybody wants you to and in their default organization. As far as being close to a full time job, you're also right about that. Every persons start menu that I've seen is a complete mess. Personalized menus doesn't fix it. Only care as to what is installed and then only the personal management/trimming/renaming of your start menu can keep it useable. That's how I manage my system and why I am so particular about what get's installed on it.

My start menu contains only things I use and is organized in a very logical manner. I hate desktop shortcuts and use the start menu for everything. The primary purpose of my PC is to allow me to design high end PCB's from start to finish. That includes schematic capture software, VHDL simulation and synthesis software, timing and signal integrity analysis software and printed circuit board layout software. That set of software packages alone costs in excess of $100,000 per year in licensing fees. None of these companies have shown any interest in going to any kind of software distribution package.

What do I care about Office updates? I think that was a $200+ package since I got the student version (my wife is a teacher). What do I care about a $40 dollar game and the ability to update it compared to $100,000 per year license fees?

Do you think I'm going to jeopardize that kind of investment in software along with my livelihood simply to be able to update a game? I don't think so.

Of course I could buy a separate PC for only for the purpose of play GalCiv2 however that turns a $40 dollar game into a $1040 dollar game. Let's not be ridiculous.
Reply #67 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
If not that, can you please tell me how to turn off this doggone toolbar that invaded my windows?
End of quote


If you don't want the dock, just right click on it and close it. The option to toggle running on startup is also in the same menu.
Reply #68 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Of course I could buy a separate PC for only for the purpose of play GalCiv2 however that turns a $40 dollar game into a $1040 dollar game. Let's not be ridiculous.
End of quote


There's always virtualization, as I've mentioned in the past. One program to rule them all, and in the virtual disk bind them (where they can't escape or do anything to your "real" machine) :)
Reply #69 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Thanks kryo!  :D  I was looking for a selection somewhere in one of the tabs. Now that it's out of sight I am already less frustrated. The whole thing just felt invasive and that dang toolbar was the kick when I was down. :SNIFF!: 
Reply #70 from Stardock Forums Top
Correct me if I'm wrong but "the market" here that seems so all encompassing to you is the PC gaming market. Is this a correct assumption on my part
End of quote
I'm actually more of the desktop customization kinda guy and game irregularly and is small doses.  My perspective is from a larger market of software distribution.

My contention is that people like things to be easy.  They WANT to have one tool that allows them to shop, archive, update etc.  They want a place where, if they have a problem they can get help.  Impulse provides/will provide this with it's store, application tabs, forums and chat.

Simplicity is in.  Look at what the other software leaders are doing.  They've spent the research dollars.  Impulse fits the bill
Reply #71 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
There's always virtualization, as I've mentioned in the past. One program to rule them all, and in the virtual disk bind them (where they can't escape or do anything to your "real" machine)
End of quote

Another software overhead. I'm still not interested. And this is still an attempt at denying the vailidity of my opinion. I don't want Impulse. I won't install Impulse. If that means I don't get updates then I can live with that. Learn to live with the fact that not everyone appreciates being forced to do something for what is in effect a very minor portion of their lives.
Reply #72 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Quote
To follow this line of thinking:My car has 4 doors,I only use 1,therefore it's bloated by those extra 3 doors.It's also painted,all it needs to prevent rust is primer.I only use "D" and "R" on the shifter,more bloat.The rear windows that go up and down,useless to me.It has the name/logo on the trunk,floor-mats,grill,hubcaps,dashboard,etc.ADWARE!!! Why can't they make a decent one door sedan,4-windowed,2 speed,plain and unmarked for me?
Quote

What a brilliant idea.

Mr Mumble :)  I don't own a mobile {cell phone)either.

I have Vista and updating it, and my virus checker are a breeze.
Wish I could do the same with all my programmes.
But,I like to be asked if it can go ahead.

I am not really interested in the other stuff.
Reply #73 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
My contention is that people like things to be easy. They WANT to have one tool that allows them to shop, archive, update etc. They want a place where, if they have a problem they can get help. Impulse provides/will provide this with it's store, application tabs, forums and chat.
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So is Mentor Graphics on your list of companies that wish to release in this manner? If not then I suggest you don't know what you're talking about, with all due respect of course.

You're talking about nickels and dimes, I'm talking about $100,000 software. Get real.

[edit] I'm sorry this is starting to get to personal. I believe I have expressed my opinion sufficiently. I would appreciate not being poked with your sharpened sticks. However in any case this is my last response to this thread for fear of crossing the line. [/edit]
Reply #74 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
"If you jus want to update a piece of software, then all you have to do is load up Impulse, download the program update, and then you can close Impulse."

I'll try Impusle - since I have zero choice if I want to update Arnor after it's patched and I finally buy it (and I'm sure I'll want other future SD titles like the fantasy strat game in the works) - but my initial impression is that the app looks like bloated overkill loaded with features that I would never, ever want, need, or use.

Reply #75 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
There's always virtualization, as I've mentioned in the past. One program to rule them all, and in the virtual disk bind them (where they can't escape or do anything to your "real" machine)Another software overhead. I'm still not interested. And this is still an attempt at denying the vailidity of my opinion. I don't want Impulse. I won't install Impulse. If that means I don't get updates then I can live with that. Learn to live with the fact that not everyone appreciates being forced to do something for what is in effect a very minor portion of their lives.
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If it weren't for the patches that fix things I would like fixed, I would not have installed it either. I think if you make a point diplomatically enough then fewer people would be upset. There are a large portion of people who only want the patches and would never install this thing otherwise.

However, very smart and wealthy people running these games know that as well, so forcing that large portion of people to atleast TRY their new product to fix an old one is a good business idea for them.