Sometimes, the latest version of a software tool just doesn’t meet all your current needs. Maybe you’re collaborating with a colleague who uses an earlier release, or perhaps a key extension you rely on hasn’t yet been updated to support the newest release. If you’re a molecular modeler using SAMSON, you might be glad to know that the platform supports installing older versions — and it’s easier than you might think.
When Would You Want an Older Version?
There are valid reasons for reverting or maintaining multiple versions of SAMSON:
- Your workflow or script depends on behavior specific to a previous release.
- A SAMSON Extension you need hasn’t been updated for the latest version yet.
- You’re trying to reproduce published results created with a specific version of SAMSON.
How to Install an Older Version of SAMSON
Fortunately, you don’t need a special installer. You can get started by downloading the regular SAMSON installer. During the setup process, at the second step, make sure to check the box labeled Install an older version:
After this, you’ll be prompted to choose the version number you’d like to install. The version names are developer-specific: for example, 2.0.2 corresponds to the 2021 version of SAMSON. If you’re unsure which version number matches your needs, you can consult the SAMSON User Guide for different versions.
Running Non-Default Versions on Your System
If you’ve installed multiple versions of SAMSON, you can still access a non-default version directly. Below are the paths to launch a specific SAMSON version:
Windows
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1 |
C:/Users/%USERNAME%/OneAngstrom/SAMSON-Application/10.0.0/Binaries/SAMSON-Core.exe |
macOS
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1 |
$HOME/Applications/SAMSON.app/ |
Linux
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1 |
$HOME/OneAngstrom/SAMSON-Application/10.0.0/Binaries/SAMSON-Core.sh |
Adjust the path according to the version you want to run (e.g., replace 10.0.0 with the desired version folder).
Things to Keep in Mind
- Extensions are typically only updated for the latest version of SAMSON. Some older versions might not support the latest extensions.
- You may run into compatibility issues when sharing data between versions. Keep backups, especially if using older releases alongside newer ones.
Remember, SAMSON makes it possible for researchers and modelers to have flexibility in how they manage their work environments. Whether for reproducibility or compatibility, installing an older version can offer continuity without sacrificing functionality.
To explore this process further and learn more advanced usage, visit the SAMSON FAQ section.
SAMSON and all SAMSON Extensions are free for non-commercial use. You can get SAMSON at https://www.samson-connect.net.