What about the Store?

from Stardock Forums

Stardock has a history of distributing their software by means of a desktop application (SDC, Impulse). The latest seems to be a software incarnation of SDC, undoubtedly better than ever.

After the demise of Impulse I began to use the Store. I'm not particularly fond of using apps in the cloud, but I started thinking of the added value of using a propriety software manager on the desktop. The features of SDC according to Startdock are:

  • Install new software and available updates
  • Automatically check for updates.
  • Silently install software and show beta downloads.
  • Select your file location for backups or reinstalling.

Maybe apart from the second all can be accomplished with the Store. And who really needs automatic update checks? I'm pretty sure it's not a killer feature - checking for a newer version online isn't much of a pain, actually I personally kind of like the excitement to see for myself if there's a new version available. Whether announced by email or looking in the Store directly.

Please don't see my post as a rant against SDC or Stardock working hard in making it a high quality tool;  everyone who's using it and is happy with it, please continue doing so.

So who wants to try to persuade me (as a long time user of Stardock software) to install Stardock Central and use it in stead of the Store? Please keep in mind that eventually also this version of SDC probably will be replaced by another app store (in view of upcoming Windows 8).

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Reply #1 from WinCustomize Forums Top

So who wants to try to persuade me (as a long time user of Stardock software) to install Stardock Central and use it in stead of the Store?

Me.

Because it works.....

I'm even using the ORIGINAL SDC .....because old bits of it still work [IRC]...;)

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Reply #2 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Quoting Jafo, reply 1
I'm even using the ORIGINAL SDC .....because old bits of it still work [IRC]...

me too.

Fences - Organize your desktop icons today!
Reply #3 from Stardock Forums Top

So who wants to try to persuade me (as a long time user of Stardock software) to install Stardock Central and use it in stead of the Store?

It's just there as an option for people who want easy access without going to the website. If you prefer the store, by all means use it.

Reply #4 from WinCustomize Forums Top

I really like the version control in SDC.

Reply #5 from Stardock Forums Top

So who wants to try to persuade me (as a long time user of Stardock software) to install Stardock Central and use it in stead of the Store?

Do you want to have to remember or look up the version of WindowBlinds you're currently running every time you go to the Store to check for updates? What if there's an important stability update to Fences right now that you won't see for days to come? 

Stardock Central does all of that for you. It silently checks for updates once a day and notifies when they are available. It keeps your Stardock software up to date, secure, stable, and you always have the latest and greatest features. It's lightweight, fast, looks good, and makes a lot of manual work simple. There's no reason NOT to use it!

Good enough for ya? :p

Bara

Reply #6 from Stardock Forums Top

I would like to thank the folks who were willing to give their opinion on why I should use SDC. In summary there are 3 reasons:

  • because it works
  • accessibility
  • version control

The first reason doesn't convince me. Why should I use SDC just because it works. The second reason also doesn't apply, because going to the Store is just one click away.

The 3rd reason could indeed be a valid for me too, however, I already have a dedicated version control mechanism for all of my software. I'd like to keep that in one place. Adding another one would complicate matters. But I can imagine SDC's way of version control (with its notification system) could be quite handy for some. But I agree with kryo hat the Store is just an option. If it works for you there is no need to use SDC and vice versa.

Thanks again all.

Reply #7 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Quoting moorpipe, reply 6
I already have a dedicated version control mechanism for all of my software.

If you're already using something like "Software Informer" to keep things up-to-date then there's possibly no reason to also run SDC, however your query as to 'convince me' did not indicate you were using other 'methods'...so my answer 'because it works' IS valid and legitimate....;p