Molecular modelers often work in complex research environments where consistency and reproducibility are critical. In some cases, a team or a collaborator may still rely on an earlier version of a software tool. Or perhaps an older SAMSON Extension is vital to your workflow but not yet updated to support the newest SAMSON release.
If you’ve ever wondered how to install a previous version of SAMSON, you may be relieved to know that you can do it directly from the SAMSON installer—no need for complicated workarounds or manual file swaps.
Why You Might Need an Older Version
- Collaboration needs: Your partners may still use a specific version.
- Extension compatibility: Some Extensions may not yet be available for the latest release.
- Hardware limitations: Older versions may be more compatible with older machines or configurations.
How to Install an Older Version of SAMSON
You don’t need to search through old download links or request special installers. Here’s how to do it with the standard SAMSON installation process:
- Start the regular SAMSON installer.
- At the second step of the installation, check the box labeled “Install an older version”.
- You’ll then be prompted to select from a list of available versions. Versions are labeled by developer version numbers (e.g., 2.0.2 corresponds to the 2021 release).
- Finalize the installation as usual.
Working with Multiple Versions
If you’ve installed more than one version of SAMSON, you can launch a specific version by directly opening its executable. Here’s where to find them based on your operating system:
- Windows:
C:/Users/%USERNAME%/OneAngstrom/SAMSON-Application/10.0.0/Binaries/SAMSON-Core.exe - MacOS:
$HOME/Applications/SAMSON.app/ - Linux:
$HOME/OneAngstrom/SAMSON-Application/10.0.0/Binaries/SAMSON-Core.sh
Simply replace 10.0.0 with the version number you’ve chosen to install.
A Few Extra Tips
- If you’re using different SAMSON versions for different projects, consider creating shortcuts to each version with a clear label.
- Always verify whether your SAMSON Extensions are compatible with the selected version of SAMSON. To learn which Extensions support which versions and systems, check their page in the Marketplace.
- You may also want to explore the User Guides for other SAMSON versions to get version-specific documentation.
By carefully choosing the right version for your project environment, you can avoid unnecessary issues and make sure all your Extensions and workflows continue running smoothly.
Want to dive deeper into installation and compatibility details? Visit the full SAMSON FAQ Page.
SAMSON and all SAMSON Extensions are free for non-commercial use. You can download the platform at www.samson-connect.net.