Installing a molecular modeling platform is only the first step. The real friction often comes immediately afterward: Is the computer supported? Where does the application launch from? What should you do first, and how do you get the tools needed for your workflow?
This checklist turns those questions into a practical path for getting started with SAMSON, the computational nanoscience platform developed by OneAngstrom. It is useful whether you are setting up a new workstation or returning to SAMSON after an installation.
1. Check the setup before installing
Before downloading the application, check the requirements and platforms guide. It covers supported operating systems, hardware expectations, and Linux dependencies. Checking these details first can help you identify compatibility or graphics issues before they interrupt your setup.
Then follow the installation guide for the installer workflow, including sign-in and key entry. If installation or graphics setup does not behave as expected, use the troubleshooting guide rather than repeatedly trying the same steps.
2. Launch it the way that fits your system
The launch route depends on your operating system:
- Windows: Search for SAMSON in the Start menu. The documentation also gives the executable location as
C:/Users/%USERNAME%/OneAngstrom/SAMSON-Application/11.0.0/Binaries/SAMSON-Core.exe. - Mac: Open SAMSON from Launchpad or the Applications folder. The documented installation folder is
$HOME/Applications/SAMSON.app/. - Linux: Launch it from the Apps dashboard, or run
./SAMSON-Core.shfrom the SAMSON Binaries folder. If you prefer a terminal shortcut, the guide shows how to create asamsonalias in your shell configuration.
Installation paths can be useful when you need to launch the application directly, but use the installation guide for the current installer workflow. Linux users experiencing issues with AMD/ATI graphics cards can consult the relevant section of the troubleshooting guide.
3. Don’t mistake the first screen for the whole platform
SAMSON has an open architecture. Its capabilities can be extended with SAMSON Extensions, including apps, editors, controllers, models, and parsers. These extensions support different tasks such as building models, performing calculations, running simulations, and visualizing results.
On first launch, SAMSON downloads a set of default extensions from SAMSON Connect. To customize your setup later, sign in to your account, visit the Marketplace, and choose extensions for your needs. You do not have to explore extension management before you have opened the application and learned the basics.
4. Choose one useful next step
A good onboarding path is not about reading everything at once. Pick the next guide that matches the task in front of you:
- For a quick tour of the interface, open First look: the interface.
- To open a structure and start working with documents, go to Loading molecules.
- For accounts, downloads, keys, extensions, or shared resources, visit SAMSON Connect.
- For a compact overview of navigation, documents, visualizations, simulations, and help routes, use the Quick Start Guide.
The main idea is simple: confirm requirements, install, launch using the route for your operating system, and then follow the guide for the next task you actually want to complete. For the complete onboarding information, read the SAMSON Getting Started documentation.
Note: SAMSON and all SAMSON Extensions are free for non-commercial use. Get SAMSON.