WinCoot

WinCoot, the latest version being 0.3.3.1, is an advanced 3D Design tool designed for Windows, falling under the Photo & Graphics category. Developed by Bernhard Lohkamp & Paul Emsley, this powerful software runs natively on Windows without requiring cygwin emulation, making it a straightforward choice for users who prefer simplicity without compromising on functionality. Users can easily download this free software for Windows 7, 10, and 11.

This version of WinCoot (0.3.3.1) utilizes MingGW and GTK for seamless operation. A highlight is the elimination of the need to set environment variables manually; it uses a .bat file to set these configurations during runtime, which greatly simplifies the installation process. Specifically, the program file names include cmd.exe, making it familiar for those accustomed to Windows interfaces.

WinCoot offers customization through two directories: COOT_HOME, which holds the .coot.py file and the .coot-preferences directory, and COOT_BACKUP_DIR, where backup pdb files are stored. On multi-user systems, administrators can tailor these variables in the runwincoot.bat file for each individual user, adding flexibility for diverse work environments.

For those who appreciate legacy versions, WinCoot is also available in other versions like 0.6, and 0.3, catering to users who might rely on specific features or compatibility considerations.

Pros:

• Free to use
• Native Windows support without additional emulation software
• Easy to download and set up
• Customizable environment variables for multi-user settings

You may want to check out more software, such as Win4D Advance or FRED Optical Engineering Software, which might be related to WinCoot.