Molecular modelers who are eager to get started with SAMSON often face a few questions when it comes to installation. To help streamline the process and avoid pitfalls, we’ve compiled insights from the documentation to ensure you’re up and running without a hitch.
The Basics of Installing SAMSON
Installing a new software tool can sometimes feel daunting, especially when dealing with system permissions or compatibility issues. Fortunately, SAMSON simplifies the process by not requiring administrative rights. Yes, you read that right—no admin rights needed! SAMSON installs directly in the user’s home directory, ensuring that users can maintain security standards and reduce unnecessary permissions.
During installation, SAMSON also checks at startup to confirm it is not running in admin mode. This ensures that users are following best practices to limit unnecessary access rights for the software.
Using SAMSON on Virtual Machines
Many users operate within virtual machine (VM) environments, either for collaborative work or enhanced hardware utilizations. The good news: SAMSON can be installed on a virtual machine! However, there’s a crucial factor to consider—your VM must support hardware GPU acceleration. Without this feature, key OpenGL functionalities required by SAMSON might not operate properly.
Check your VM’s documentation to ensure that hardware GPU acceleration is enabled. Proper configuration will allow SAMSON to perform optimally on your virtualized setup.
Accessing Older Versions
If you ever need to revisit an older version of SAMSON (perhaps for compatibility with specific workflows or extensions), the platform allows this flexibility. Simply use the same installer you downloaded and, at the second step, select the Install an older version option. You can then choose the version you need from a list based on developer version numbers. For example, the version 2.0.2 corresponds to the SAMSON 2021 release.
To ensure clarity, you can refer to this documentation page to match a developer version number with its release year.
Additionally, if you have multiple versions of SAMSON installed and wish to switch to a specific version, you can manually launch it using the appropriate path for your operating system:
- Windows:
C:/Users/%USERNAME%/OneAngstrom/SAMSON-Application/11.0.0/Binaries/SAMSON-Core.exe - MacOS:
$HOME/Applications/SAMSON.app/ - Linux:
$HOME/OneAngstrom/SAMSON-Application/11.0.0/Binaries/SAMSON-Core.sh
These tips can be especially helpful for advanced users managing a variety of workflows.
Getting Your SAMSON Key
Your SAMSON Key is essential for activation, and you can find it on SAMSON Connect. Just sign in to your account and navigate to your Account section. Remember, your key should not contain spaces or extra symbols, so copy it carefully for the best results.
Troubleshooting Credentials
If you encounter an error message stating that your credentials or activation key are invalid, ensure that:
- You’re using the correct email address (the one you registered with).
- Your SAMSON Key is accurate. Copy and paste it directly from your account on SAMSON Connect to avoid mistakes.
If issues persist, refer to the documentation for further guidance: SAMSON FAQ.
With these installation tips, you can save time and avoid common setbacks, letting you focus on your molecular modeling projects!
To learn more about installation and troubleshooting, visit the detailed documentation page: SAMSON FAQ.
Note: SAMSON and all SAMSON Extensions are free for non-commercial use. You can get it today at SAMSON Connect.