For molecular modelers and researchers, encountering admin rights issues during software installation can be a frustrating obstacle. Whether you’re working on a shared system or do not have administrator-level access, this hurdle can slow down your progress. Thankfully, SAMSON, the integrative molecular design platform, is designed to make installation simple—it doesn’t require administrative privileges! In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the process of installing SAMSON, ensuring a smooth experience.
Why SAMSON Doesn’t Require Admin Rights
SAMSON installs directly into the user home directory, bypassing the need for system-wide administrative permissions. This user-centric approach not only simplifies the installation process but also aligns with best practices by encouraging the restraint of unnecessary permissions when using software. It explicitly checks during startup to ensure it’s not being run in admin mode, adding an extra layer of safety and transparency.
Getting Started with the Installation
The installation process for SAMSON is straightforward and designed with accessibility in mind:
- Download the Installer: Visit SAMSON Connect to get the latest installer for your operating system.
- Run the Installer: Simply execute the installer without worrying about accessing administrator rights—SAMSON handles everything within your user home directory.
Tips for Virtual Machine Users
For those who prefer working on a virtual machine (VM), SAMSON is compatible as long as the VM supports hardware GPU acceleration. This is crucial, as certain graphics-related functionalities, such as OpenGL, might not work with a VM’s default display driver. Be sure to consult your VM software’s documentation to enable this feature before attempting to run SAMSON on a virtual machine.
Troubleshooting: Invalid Credentials?
If you encounter issues such as invalid credentials or activation key errors during installation, here’s what to check:
- Ensure you’re using the same email address you registered with on SAMSON Connect.
- Confirm that your SAMSON Key is correctly copied without any extra spaces or symbols. You can find your key in your Account section on SAMSON Connect.
With these steps, you should have no trouble overcoming login issues during installation.
Installing Older Versions
If your project requires an older version of SAMSON, you can easily opt for this during the installation process. At the second step of the setup, simply select the Install an older version option and pick the desired version from the list. SAMSON lists these versions using developer numbers, so be sure to check the corresponding version number on the User Guides for other SAMSON versions.
Once installed, you can even maintain multiple versions of SAMSON on your system. To launch a non-default version, simply locate the executable in your SAMSON Application folders based on the guide provided in the documentation. This is particularly useful for researchers managing legacy projects or specific compatibility requirements.
Final Thoughts
SAMSON makes molecular modeling and design accessible by providing an installation process that fits any user environment. With no need for admin rights and the flexibility to install older versions or operate on virtual machines, SAMSON removes typical barriers that scientists and researchers often face when installing specialized software.
For more detailed installation instructions and further troubleshooting assistance, visit the official documentation page: https://documentation.samson-connect.net/users/latest/faq/.
Note: SAMSON and all SAMSON Extensions are free for non-commercial use. You can download SAMSON at https://www.samson-connect.net.