A molecular modeling session can lose momentum before the science even begins: the software is installed, but the right launch route is unclear, the computer’s requirements have not been checked, or the first screen feels like a dead end. A simple way to reduce that friction is to treat setup as a short sequence: check compatibility, install, launch using the route for your operating system, and then choose one useful next step.
Before installing: check the machine, not just the installer
Start with Requirements and platforms. This helps you check operating-system support, hardware expectations, and Linux dependencies before you begin. Doing this first can save time: if something goes wrong later, you will know whether the computer’s setup was checked or whether the issue first appeared during installation or launch.
Then follow Install SAMSON for the installer workflow, including sign-in and key entry. If installation or graphics setup does not behave as expected, the documentation points to Troubleshooting.
Choose the launch route for your operating system
After installation, use the route that matches your computer. Keeping this step OS-specific avoids hunting for an executable in the wrong place.
- Windows: Open SAMSON from the Start menu, or search for it there. The documented executable location is
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: You can use the Apps dashboard, or open a terminal in the SAMSON installation folder and run
./SAMSON-Core.sh. The documented folder is~/OneAngstrom/SAMSON-Application/11.0.0/Binaries. If you want a terminal shortcut, the guide shows how to add an alias to~/.bashrcor~/.zprofile, then runsamsonin a new terminal.
If you use Linux with an AMD/ATI graphics card and run into a problem, consult the specific Linux AMD troubleshooting section.
What happens on the first launch?
SAMSON has an open architecture that can be adapted with extensions, including apps, editors, controllers, models, and parsers. These can support tasks such as building models, performing calculations, running simulations, and visualizing results. On the first launch, SAMSON downloads a set of default extensions from SAMSON Connect. That means the initial setup is not necessarily the end of the download activity.
When you want to customize your installation, sign in to your account and browse the Marketplace to choose extensions for your needs. For more detail about managing extensions or exploring the SDK path, see Extending SAMSON.
Make the next step small
Once SAMSON opens, you do not need to learn every tool before doing useful work. Choose the next guide according to the immediate task:
- For a quick orientation to the interface, continue with First look: the interface.
- To open a structure and understand documents, go to Loading molecules.
- For downloads, keys, extensions, or shared resources, visit SAMSON Connect.
- For a compact introduction to interface elements, navigation, visualizations, simulations, and help routes, use the Quick Start Guide.
This sequence also makes it easier to describe a setup problem: note your operating system, whether requirements were checked, whether installation completed, and which launch route you tried. Those details help separate an installation question from a first-launch or graphics issue.
For the complete onboarding path and current version information, read the Getting Started documentation.
Note: SAMSON and all SAMSON Extensions are free for non-commercial use. Get SAMSON.