Impulse Driven Home |
To run Impulse, locate & click the icon on your desktop or Impulse can be found on your Start Menu under: All Programs, then Stardock, and click on Impulse.
When you start Impulse, you will see a small (splash) screen as it loads into memory.
The first thing you see when Impulse runs is the "Explore" tab, which displays new and popular software from various companies.
Main MenuIn the upper, left corner is the Stardock Orb
On the "Explore" & "Community" tabs, below the menu bar is a web browser
with familiar Back
The following table explains these features in more detail: Quick Reference
When Impulse is busy (i.e. checking with the Impulse server, logging in, checking for updates, ...) you may see a circular animation in the upper, right corner.
NavigationThe "Explore" and "Community" tabs use a familiar web browser, allowing you to move
back Impulse AccountImpulse requires you to have a (free) account that will be
associated with your registration information and
how Impulse knows who you are. Impulse will automatically log you
in, check for software updates for installed software purchased through Impulse, display your registration
information (i.e. serial numbers) log into your Friends list and more. Impulse AnywhereImpulse Anywhere allows you to access the software you purchased through Impulse via a web browser. The purpose of this is to allow those with computers either not connected to the internet or who cannot handle large downloads to install software from Impulse. This is how it works:
Requirements: The computer you are installing this offline software to must have:
Also please be aware of any system requirements for both Impulse and the software product you are purchasing, that the computer meets or exceeds those requirements. Impulse DockThe Impulse Dock is a free (optional) program that allows easy access to the common areas (i.e. Community, Store, running Impulse, software folders) of Impulse on a dock. A dock is like a menu bar that is located at the bottom of your monitor. By default, it will autohide, meaning when you move the cursor off of it, the dock will disappear off the bottom of the screen. Only a small portion of it will be visible and when you move the cursor over it, and the dock will slide back out - reappearing.
After minimizing Impulse to the dock, you then can quickly access programs and other features within impulse. The dock can be configured to meet your needs, including adding shortcuts to other programs on your computer, not just software purchased through Impulse. Even shortcuts to websites can be added to the dock. (For more information about the Impulse Dock, please refer to Appendix B: Impulse Dock.) Activation vs. RegistrationWhen you purchase software through Impulse, the product may require you to Activate it with a serial number and email address. Registration is optional for all Stardock products, but allows you to get updates (i.e. patches, bug fixes, new features). Stardock Central (SDC)Stardock Central (or SDC) will remain is use for some time, however Impulse is the newer digital distribution tool. You can easily move from SDC to Impulse, as all of your registration information will be added to Impulse automatically. Also, Impulse offers many more features over SDC and will continue to grow in the future. You can run both SDC & Impulse on the same computer, if you prefer. Then when you feel comfortable with Impulse, uninstall SDC and use Impulse solely.
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menu (for more information,
refer to the 
icon allows you to create and manage tabs.
, Forward
,
Home 
icons, Address bar, Search bar and Search 
icon. Search
allows you to browse the Stardock website from within
Impulse. On the "Explore" tab, below 
on the far right are links to: Browse (products),
Checkout (buy selected products), and Cart (check your shopping cart).
