One common hurdle for molecular modelers starting with a new software platform is the installation process—especially in restricted computing environments like universities, research institutions, or shared lab machines. Needing admin rights can delay work for hours or even days. Fortunately, SAMSON, the integrative molecular design platform, addresses this pain point directly.
In this post, we’ll walk you through how SAMSON can be installed without administrative privileges and how to get up and running on different platforms including Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Why No Admin Rights Matter
In many professional and academic settings, users don’t have permission to install software system-wide. Instead, they rely on scarce IT support or find complicated workarounds. This issue can particularly impact scientists working with computational tools, where not being able to install a package halts progress entirely.
SAMSON avoids this by installing directly in the user’s home directory, requiring no elevated permissions. This makes it not only accessible in restricted environments but also safer, because it actively checks that it’s not running in admin mode, encouraging responsible system usage.
Getting Started: A Quick Overview
Before you begin, make sure your system supports the following:
- 64-bit operating system
- Graphics card with OpenGL 4.1 support
For Linux users, hardware GPU access is required, especially if running SAMSON in a virtual machine.
Step-by-Step Installation
1. Visit SAMSON Connect to download the installer. You’ll be asked to sign in or create an account.
2. During installation, use your registered email and the SAMSON Key available in your SAMSON Connect account settings.
Windows
Just run the downloaded file. SAMSON will install itself under:
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C:/Users/%USERNAME%/OneAngstrom/SAMSON-Application/10.0.0/Binaries/ |
You can launch it directly from the Start menu or by double-clicking SAMSON-Core.exe.
macOS
Launch SAMSON via the Applications folder or the Launchpad. It installs under:
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$HOME/Applications/SAMSON.app/ |
You may need to enable full disk access—see the macOS troubleshooting guide for instructions.
Linux
Make the installer executable and run it with the proper environment set:
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cd ~/Downloads chmod +x ./SAMSON-Setup.run QT_QPA_PLATFORM=xcb ./SAMSON-Setup.run |
You can launch SAMSON from the Applications dashboard or using a terminal:
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~/OneAngstrom/SAMSON-Application/10.0.0/Binaries/SAMSON-Core.sh |
Consider adding an alias to your shell config file:
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alias samson='$HOME/OneAngstrom/SAMSON-Application/10.0.0/Binaries/SAMSON-Core.sh' |
Then run samson in any new terminal.
First Login and Extensions
Once installed, the first launch will download a curated set of default SAMSON Extensions—tools that add features like molecular editors, visualizations, simulations, and more. You can also browse the Marketplace anytime to customize your setup.
You’ll only need to go through these steps once. Afterward, SAMSON will keep itself and its extensions updated automatically.
Conclusion
Installing SAMSON without admin rights removes a common barrier and makes it easier for researchers to access advanced modeling and simulation tools. Whether you’re working from a personal computer or a restricted institutional device, you’ll be able to get started quickly and safely.
To learn more, visit the full Getting Started documentation page.
SAMSON and all SAMSON Extensions are free for non-commercial use. You can get SAMSON at https://www.samson-connect.net.