While SAMSON is continuously updated to improve performance and add features, some users—especially in academic or enterprise settings—might need to run a previous version to ensure compatibility with specific workflows, operating systems, or legacy extensions. If you’ve ever struggled to figure out how to revert to a specific version, this guide is for you.
Whether you’re trying to reproduce computational experiments or deal with version-specific requirements, SAMSON actually makes installing older versions surprisingly simple. Here’s how.
Step-by-Step Guide to Installing an Older Version
1. Download and launch the standard SAMSON installer
The same installer used for the current version also serves for older versions. No need to dig through archives or request special files.
2. Select the older version option
During the second step of the installation process, check the box labeled Install an older version:
3. Choose your desired version
After selecting the older version option, you’ll be presented with a dropdown menu listing available versions. These use developer version numbers (e.g., 2.0.2 for SAMSON 2021). If you’re uncertain about the mapping, consult the User Guide version reference.
Running Multiple Versions Side by Side
If you have multiple versions installed, you can run a specific one manually. This is useful for testing or maintaining legacy workflows:
- 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
Be sure to replace 10.0.0 with the developer version number of the version you installed.
Use Cases for Older Versions
Here are some common scenarios where using an older version can be essential:
- Extension Compatibility: Some extensions may only support specific versions.
- Project Reproducibility: Scientific publications often require that simulations be reproducible using the environment in which they were initially developed.
- Hardware Constraints: If your current hardware works better with a previous version due to GPU or driver compatibility.
These reasons make it important to choose the correct version of SAMSON for your specific needs. Fortunately, the process is straightforward and doesn’t require administrative privileges or extensive configuration.
For more detailed instructions, visit the original documentation here: https://documentation.samson-connect.net/users/latest/faq/
SAMSON and all SAMSON Extensions are free for non-commercial use. You can download SAMSON at https://www.samson-connect.net.