Upates to Software

Impulse/Website

I've seen a lot of complaints/questions lately about having to download upgraded apps from the website because Impulse is basically defunct now.  I've often wondered why the Stardock fleet of software doesn't update itself?  All of the software that I have checks to see if an update is available and then downloads and installs the update.  Not so with our Stardock software.  If I buy WB then WB should check itself to see if it has an update available.  I shouldn't have to check a website or a different software package (impulse) for this. This is 2011, the 21st century and I feel like it's 1995 still with Stardock software. Anyone have a thought as to why the software packages do not update themselves or if this is something in the wings now that Impulse is gone?

52,405 views 72 replies
Reply #2 Top

Could be the answer is hacking/piracy related, Rich. I know that was one really good security feature with Impulse, but I could be wrong in that thought.

I'm pretty sure though that Stardock has considered an obvious option like this.

Reply #3 Top

I actually prefer to pick and choose my updates anyway. I know Wiz does too. If I have a working version of WB, and an update come through that only affects Firefox, I'd pass it up because I don't use Firefox.

Not sure this addresses the question in any way, just a thought.  :moo:

Reply #4 Top

RND is correct. I turn off every auto-update I can including Windows updates. I prefer to do my own checking. I don't need all my software phoning home on it's own accord.

I'm sure SD will come up with a way to notify folks of updates to installed apps. They had two good systems that I have used.(SDC and Impulse) and I am confident that whatever solution they use will be equally as good.:sun:

Reply #5 Top

I agree with RedneckDude and Wizard1956, I want to be able to a either accept or deny an update, although there are very few that I have ever denied. 

I think it's just the thought that someone is telling me I have to download an update, when the choice is mine.  :sun:

Reply #6 Top

Quoting DrJBHL, reply 2
Could be the answer is hacking/piracy related

I would never do it and pay for anything but I don't think this is the reason. Do a check and you will see the latest versions of SD programs are available where they shouldn't be. So I'm saying this has no bearing on anything.

As far as my other friends statements I agree you should not be forced into an update. With that said it is also mentioned above the people turn off there auto updates and just look at the notifications. Then they choose if they want to update.  Most software sites have change logs so you can look and decide if you want the update and this is the way to go for me and what from I'm reading. I don't need the latest WB update either. however we all know there will be another and the next one we may need but will also include the one we really didn't need so yuo end up with it anyway.

The reason i'm replying to this is simple because I'm going to bring this into play again. I had no problem with Impulse as soom say they had and may have. I was told Impulse wasn't needed anymore to get rid of it if I didn't want games. Now if I wanted the lasest update beta or not I can't get it. Before Impulse there was SDC and it worked fine or at least did the work it was supposed to do. I also can see that just from the past couple months this update situation is going to continue to come up. Time to end it and time to have an updated SDC or something else to replace Impulse. It was fine a few months ago to say we are working on another means to update, et. after Impulse was gone. This is really something the community could use so it would be much better without giving away any information to give us a time line. If a time line was given and when it got close to it Sd saw it needed more time just post we will need 4 more weeks to complete ???. At lease information is given and there won't be a thread every other day related to this subject. This really only pertains to something that will let us update, look at the dates out things will expire, serial number, etc. Not for every piece of updated software and when will it be done. Hell we don't have a clue as to what will be updated as it has been a long time now. Honestly my SD software is working fine for me so it's not that big a deal but there still needs to be a means when it is available.

Thank you all, I feel so much better now and if there are any misspelled words it's not my fault as the blame would be on my keyboard.

Reply #7 Top

Impulse seems to still be working just fine for me. I just got a Windowblinds update. I keep hearing that Impulse is not supposed to be working anymore though. If that is true... then where are we supposed to go for the latest updates for our software? The new site I had heard about only shows us our latest purchases. As far as I can see.... it does not show how to update our software after we have bought it if Impulse is supposedly no longer working. Will there soon be a change in this? Also... I have not seen in that site how to update when it comes time how to update our subscriptions to Object Desktop and Wincustomize subscriptions.

 

                                                                                         :meow: The Cats Meow Mix :meow:

Reply #8 Top

I still do not know what the big deal is. Like I have already said in another post there is no reason why the individual software cannot notify you of updates and you can either choose to ignore them or apply the update. It seams pretty simple to me and most programs do it this way. For example I use advance system care and when an update is available I am notified and I can choose to apply it or ignore it.

I do not want or need another program such as impulse to tell me about updates. It should be built into the software with the choice to turn off auto updates and notifications if that is what you want to do. Create another update manager if you like but I think its unnecessary.

 

Reply #9 Top

Quoting JuniorCrooks, reply 8
I still do not know what the big deal is. Like I have already said in another post there is no reason why the individual software cannot notify you of updates and you can either choose to ignore them or apply the update. It seams pretty simple to me and most programs do it this way. For example I use advance system care and when an update is available I am notified and I can choose to apply it or ignore it.

I do not want or need another program such as impulse to tell me about updates. It should be built into the software with the choice to turn off auto updates and notifications if that is what you want to do. Create another update manager if you like but I think its unnecessary.

 

 

Totally agree.

Reply #10 Top

Quoting JuniorCrooks, reply 8
I still do not know what the big deal is. Like I have already said in another post there is no reason why the individual software cannot notify you of updates and you can either choose to ignore them or apply the update. It seams pretty simple to me and most programs do it this way. For example I use advance system care and when an update is available I am notified and I can choose to apply it or ignore it.

I do not want or need another program such as impulse to tell me about updates. It should be built into the software with the choice to turn off auto updates and notifications if that is what you want to do. Create another update manager if you like but I think its unnecessary.

 

 

That's the way it works in all of my other software, turn it on, turn it off, check manually, etc. etc.  Point being, the software has the ability within itself to check for and install updates based on the users preference.  I too have never liked having an additional piece of software just to download and install updates.  I have my software set to notify me of updates and then I choose whether to install them or not.

I've been a long time paying customer of Object Desktop and it has just boggled my mind why this hasn't happened and now we are in a pickle having to fire up the software, check the version, then fire up my browser and check the web version just to see if I want to download updates.

>:(

Come on Stardock, you guys build great software, let's step it up :grin:

Reply #11 Top

Quoting JuniorCrooks, reply 8
I do not want or need another program such as impulse to tell me about updates. It should be built into the software with the choice to turn off auto updates and notifications if that is what you want to do. Create another update manager if you like but I think its unnecessary.

Agreed...Personally I'd uncheck auto update though since I've had "new and improved" version updates of programs that didn't work nearly as well as the previous version...especially in browsers. 

Reply #12 Top

Quoting Rich, reply 10

Come on Stardock, you guys build great software, let's step it up

From his post here: https://forums.wincustomize.com/409211 (last 2 paragraphs), Brad's on sabbatical.  I just don't think he cares whether we think this is acceptable or not.  We'll either take this as is, or we'll walk, but nothing is going to change any time soon from the current way things have been lately here.  Whining is only going to serve as a temporary vent.  Might as well write a letter to Santa Claus and ask him to fix it -- it will do about as much good.

Reply #13 Top

Quoting k10w3, reply 12

Quoting Rich, reply 10
Come on Stardock, you guys build great software, let's step it up

From his post here: https://forums.wincustomize.com/409211 (last 2 paragraphs), Brad's on sabbatical.  I just don't think he cares whether we think this is acceptable or not.  We'll either take this as is, or we'll walk, but nothing is going to change any time soon from the current way things have been lately here.  Whining is only going to serve as a temporary vent.  Might as well write a letter to Santa Claus and ask him to fix it -- it will do about as much good.

How you get all that from the last two paragraphs are beyond me. 

Reply #14 Top

SD is historically slow getting changes out into the world.

Reply #15 Top

Quoting Island, reply 13
How you get all that from the last two paragraphs are beyond me.

Subbing for Jafo & Zubaz:

How you get all that from the last two paragraphs is beyond me. ;)

I are helpful, isn't I?

Reply #16 Top

:grin:

Reply #17 Top

Quoting Daiwa, reply 15

Quoting Island Dog, reply 13How you get all that from the last two paragraphs are beyond me.

Subbing for Jafo & Zubaz:

How you get all that from the last two paragraphs is beyond me.

I are helpful, isn't I?

 

:rofl:

Reply #18 Top

Quoting JuniorCrooks, reply 8
I still do not know what the big deal is. Like I have already said in another post there is no reason why the individual software cannot notify you of updates and you can either choose to ignore them or apply the update. It seams pretty simple to me and most programs do it this way. For example I use advance system care and when an update is available I am notified and I can choose to apply it or ignore it.

I do not want or need another program such as impulse to tell me about updates. It should be built into the software with the choice to turn off auto updates and notifications if that is what you want to do. Create another update manager if you like but I think its unnecessary.

 

I agree as well.

Reply #19 Top

System was, via every 'engine' supplied....where Impulse was simply the most recent, that Object Desktop, etc. was an expanding set of quasi-inter-related applications all involved with the GUI and its function/modification.  SD's software was not an isolated product like say, Photoshop.  If it were ONLY Windowblinds there might be an argument for the proggy to DIY with updates, etc., but it's not.

There is far MORE logic to an integrated delivery system for any/all the software and its variations [betas, etc].... IN SPITE OF all those whiners who came out deriding Impulse as spamware or worse.

I think I'd rather NOT be running around like a headless chook chasing after a squillion notifications from all the SD software I have installed... but rather have one entity calmly listing them all....;)

And k10w3 ...re #12 you're really in La la land sometimes....;)

Reply #21 Top

Quoting Jafo, reply 19
And k10w3 ...re #12 you're really in La la land sometimes....

I just have a lot going on in my personal life and I'm losing hope that anything anywhere will ever get any better.  Maybe soon I will be pleasantly surprised. 

Reply #22 Top

Quoting Daiwa, reply 15

Quoting Island Dog, reply 13How you get all that from the last two paragraphs are beyond me.

Subbing for Jafo & Zubaz:

How you get all that from the last two paragraphs is beyond me.

I are helpful, isn't I?

:)

 

+1 Loading…
Reply #23 Top

Quoting Jafo, reply 19
There is far MORE logic to an integrated delivery system for any/all the software and its variations [betas, etc]........
I think I'd rather NOT be running around like a headless chook chasing after a squillion notifications from all the SD software I have installed... but rather have one entity calmly listing them all...

Me too.  Doesn't have to be anything fancy, "function over form" as far as I'm concerned in this case.

("headless chook" "squillion" o_O \o/ )

Reply #24 Top

Didn't consider the number of apps in my answer. That's a very good reason as well.

I like Jafo's and DaveRI's comments about a simple, unified app to do what SDC used to. irc would be an added benefit. I suspect that whether it looks 'simple' or not there'll be those who want something else... so just 'skinnable' might satisfy all.

Reply #25 Top

As with Impulse, any new system we get will be hated and put down, but should it ever get taken away, it was the best thing we ever had and we want it back!!!  o_O     :-"   ;)   

 

 

Myself, I'd be very content with something like SDC with IRC integrated, like was said above.  I liked SDC and the WCBrowser just fine. :beer: