For molecular modelers and researchers diving into the world of SAMSON, the installation process might initially seem like a potential hurdle—especially when dealing with systems without admin rights. Thankfully, SAMSON alleviates this concern with its surprisingly straightforward approach to installation.
Why No Admin Rights is a Key Advantage
Many software applications require administrator privileges for installation, posing a barrier for users on shared systems, virtual machines, or environments where admin rights aren’t granted. SAMSON takes a user-first approach by ensuring that no administrator privileges are needed. It installs directly into the user’s home directory, making the setup seamless and accessible.
How SAMSON Handles Permissions
During startup, SAMSON explicitly checks to ensure it isn’t run in admin mode. This precaution isn’t just about convenience; it also encourages safer usage by minimizing unnecessary system-level permissions.
Installation Proof-of-Concept: Yes, Even on Virtual Machines
If you’re working on a virtual machine (VM), SAMSON can still be installed and run successfully, provided the VM has access to hardware GPU acceleration. This is vital as some OpenGL functionalities might not be supported by a VM’s default display driver. To resolve this, consult your VM’s documentation to enable hardware GPU acceleration for smooth SAMSON performance.
Step-by-Step Process for Installing SAMSON
Getting started with SAMSON is simple. Here’s all you need to do:
- Download the installer from SAMSON Connect.
- Run the installer—no admin passwords or elevated permissions required!
- Follow the on-screen prompts to complete your setup.
For more detailed guidance, refer to the official Installing SAMSON section.
If You Need an Older Version
Sometimes, you may prefer to install an earlier version of SAMSON for compatibility purposes or specific project needs. SAMSON makes this possible through its advanced installer interface. Simply select the “Install an older version” option during installation. Here’s a look at what the interface looks like:
At the next step, you’ll be able to choose your desired version, matched to its developer version number. Versions like 2.0.2, for instance, correspond to the SAMSON 2021 release. For further clarity on version numbers, consult the User Guides for Other Versions.
Final Thoughts
SAMSON ensures that researchers and students can install and use the platform easily, even under restrictive environments. With no admin rights required and straightforward compatibility options, SAMSON continues to support innovative molecular modeling without unnecessary roadblocks.
For a more extensive breakdown of installation and additional resources, visit the official FAQ: SAMSON FAQ.
SAMSON and all SAMSON Extensions are free for non-commercial use. Get started by downloading SAMSON from SAMSON Connect.