Researchers and modelers often face a common challenge: compatibility. Whether you’re working with a specific SAMSON Extension, following a reproducible workflow, or using a system with legacy software constraints, sometimes the latest version of SAMSON is not the best fit. Fortunately, SAMSON makes it easy to install older versions—without requiring a separate installer.
Here’s a detailed walk-through of how you can install an older version of SAMSON and switch between different versions when needed:
Installing an Older Version of SAMSON
When you launch the SAMSON installer, proceed to the second installation step. There, you’ll see an option labeled “Install an older version”. Check this box.
After proceeding, you’ll be able to choose from a list of available versions. Versions are listed by their developer version numbers. For example, version 2.0.2 corresponds to the 2021 version of SAMSON.
To map specific versions to particular timeframes, refer to the guide: User Guides for other SAMSON versions.
Launching a Non-Default Version
If you have multiple versions of SAMSON installed, your system will usually launch the default one. Here’s how to run a different version manually, depending on your OS:
- Windows:
C:/Users/%USERNAME%/OneAngstrom/SAMSON-Application/9.0.0/Binaries/SAMSON-Core.exe - macOS:
$HOME/Applications/SAMSON.app/ - Linux:
$HOME/OneAngstrom/SAMSON-Application/9.0.0/Binaries/SAMSON-Core.sh
This allows you to run a specific version when needed, providing greater flexibility and compatibility with your existing workflows or extensions.
Why It Matters
Some academic or computational environments rely on versions of software that have been verified or validated in published work. Extensions may only be compatible with certain versions, and updating might occasionally break established pipelines.
By supporting multiple versions, SAMSON gives researchers control without compromising on scientific consistency and reproducibility.
To learn more about managing and installing SAMSON, visit the official SAMSON FAQ page.
SAMSON and all SAMSON Extensions are free for non-commercial use. You can download SAMSON at https://www.samson-connect.net.