Installing SAMSON, the integrative molecular design platform, is your gateway to exploring a dynamic environment for molecular modeling, simulation, and design. This guide walks you through the installation process to ensure a smooth setup on Windows, macOS, or Linux systems while addressing common pain points molecular modelers encounter during software onboarding.
Why Smooth Installation Matters for Modelers
As a molecular modeler, efficient workflows are crucial to your productivity. A complicated installation process can lead to confusion, wasted time, and troubleshooting hurdles. SAMSON simplifies this process by providing clear instructions and robust tools, ensuring you’re up and running without unnecessary delays.
Before You Begin
Before diving into the installation, take a moment to check these prerequisites:
- Verify that your operating system meets the Requirements and Platforms. Make sure your graphics infrastructure is supported.
- Log in to SAMSON Connect and access your SAMSON key. This key is critical to validating your access during installation.
- If you’re looking for an earlier version of SAMSON, refer to this helpful FAQ guide.
How to Download and Install
Once your prerequisites are in place, follow these steps to complete the installation:
1. Download the Installer
- Visit the Download SAMSON page and sign in or create an account.
- Select the installer compatible with your operating system.
You’ll need to provide your SAMSON Connect email and SAMSON key during setup, so ensure you have them handy. If you’re unsure where to locate your SAMSON key, you can find it in your Account > Settings on SAMSON Connect or on the installer download page.
2. Run the Installer
After downloading the installer, start it to initiate the guided setup. The setup includes the following steps:
- Review and accept the license agreement.
- [Optional] Enter proxy settings if required by your network. Make sure to test the connection using the Test connection button before proceeding.
- Enter your SAMSON Connect email and SAMSON key.
- Select either the default or advanced installation mode. Advanced mode allows you to choose a custom installation path or download a specific version of SAMSON.
- Let the installer download and install SAMSON.
Linux users: If you’re installing on Linux, open a terminal in the download directory and run the following commands to execute the installer:
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cd ~/Downloads chmod +x ./SAMSON-Setup.run QT_QPA_PLATFORM=xcb ./SAMSON-Setup.run |
If you experience OpenGL or dependency issues, refer to the Troubleshooting section for solutions.
Post-Installation Tips
Once installed, launch SAMSON to begin your molecular modeling journey. Here are a few resources to enhance your experience:
- Explore the Extending SAMSON section to customize your tools and workflows with SAMSON Extensions.
- macOS users facing file access challenges can find guidance in Full Disk Access in macOS.
Enable Seamless Upgrades
Keep in mind that SAMSON Extensions update automatically and are only supported for the latest SAMSON version. To ensure compatibility, it’s advisable to update SAMSON regularly. You can trigger updates manually through the Interface menu > Update SAMSON. This ensures you always have access to the latest features and enhancements.
For further details and a more comprehensive guide, visit the full installation documentation here.
Note: SAMSON and all SAMSON Extensions are free for non-commercial use. Get SAMSON at SAMSON Connect.