Quoting awuffleablehedgie,
You only have to run Impulse for the initial install and for any updates. After that, you can uninstall it straight from your computer if you'd like (and never update again, of course )
You can always give Impulse a Try I have both Impulse and Steam and Impulse is a way "lighter" launch pad. No evasive software or anything like that.
Mind you if you start to download 3rd pary games through Impulse (like ubisoft games) you will get whatever software protection comes with that game.
Stardock games tend to have no software protection.
All in all give it a try if you don't like Impulse you can always uninstall it! Good luck! If you have any questions let me know!