For molecular modelers, one of the pains of adopting new tools can be the process of starting a program across different systems. Whether you’re on Windows, macOS, or Linux, each operating system comes with its own intricacies. In this post, we simplify the process of launching SAMSON, the integrative molecular design platform, so that you can focus on your research rather than troubleshooting how to get started.
Step-by-Step Instructions by Operating System
Below, you’ll find tailored instructions for launching SAMSON on the three major platforms.
Windows
On Windows, SAMSON can be found in the Start menu. To locate it quickly, just type “SAMSON” into the search box. If this method doesn’t work, try locating the executable file manually. SAMSON is typically installed in the following folder:
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C:/Users/%USERNAME%/OneAngstrom/SAMSON-Application/11.0.0/Binaries/SAMSON-Core.exe |
Once you locate the executable, you can launch SAMSON from there and even create a shortcut for easier access in the future.
Mac
On macOS, launching SAMSON is straightforward. Simply open it via Launchpad or find it in the Applications folder. The installation path is often the following:
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$HOME/Applications/SAMSON.app/ |
macOS users can benefit from the simplicity of its ecosystem to quickly get their SAMSON experience started.
Linux
Linux enthusiasts can launch SAMSON through their system’s Apps dashboard. Alternatively, you can execute the SAMSON-Core.sh script directly from the SAMSON installation directory:
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~/OneAngstrom/SAMSON-Application/11.0.0/Binaries/SAMSON-Core.sh |
For even quicker access in the future, consider creating an alias for SAMSON in your shell configuration file (e.g., ~/.bashrc or ~/.zprofile):
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alias samson='$HOME/OneAngstrom/SAMSON-Application/11.0.0/Binaries/SAMSON-Core.sh' |
After saving the alias, open a new terminal and use the command samson to launch the software. If you encounter issues with AMD/ATI graphics cards, refer to the Troubleshooting section for further guidance.
Why It Matters
Getting SAMSON up and running is one of the first milestones in your molecular modeling journey. These tailored instructions ensure that you’re ready to explore SAMSON’s powerful tools across platforms without wasting time on technical barriers.
For more detailed information, visit the complete SAMSON Getting Started guide.
Note: SAMSON and all SAMSON Extensions are free for non-commercial use. You can get started by downloading SAMSON at SAMSON-Connect.