Sometimes, working with the latest version of a software isn’t always ideal. Whether it’s for compatibility reasons, specific features, or personal preference, molecular modelers may find themselves needing to work with an older version of the software. Here’s how SAMSON makes it seamless to install an older version when necessary!
Why You Might Need an Older Version
When working on molecular modeling projects, certain extensions or workflows might rely on features present in a previous version of SAMSON. Thankfully, SAMSON provides a dedicated option to install older versions directly through its installer, so you don’t need to scour the web for outdated files.
Steps to Install an Older Version
Installing an older version of SAMSON is integrated into its installer, making it straightforward. Here’s how you can do it:
- Use the current installer: Download the usual SAMSON installer from the official website. The older version option comes included within the installer itself.
- Go to ‘Install an older version’: During the installation process, at the second step, you’ll see an option labeled "Install an older version". Simply check this box.
- Choose the desired version: At the next step, a list of available versions will appear. Each version is listed using its developer’s version number (e.g., version 2.0.2 corresponds to the 2021 SAMSON version). Be sure to select the version you need. For clarity on version correspondence, you can refer to the guide provided here.
To help you visualize this process, the following images from the SAMSON documentation illustrate the steps clearly:
Check the ‘Install an older version’ option at this stage.
Pick the exact version of SAMSON you want from the list provided.
Managing Multiple Installed Versions
If you decide to keep multiple versions of SAMSON on your device, you can easily launch a specific version using the executable file associated with it. Here are some quick references for launching SAMSON from a non-default installation path:
- Windows:
C:/Users/%USERNAME%/OneAngstrom/SAMSON-Application/<Version>/Binaries/SAMSON-Core.exe - MacOS:
$HOME/Applications/SAMSON.app/ - Linux:
$HOME/OneAngstrom/SAMSON-Application/<Version>/Binaries/SAMSON-Core.sh
Using these paths, you’ll have the flexibility to switch between different versions as needed, which is especially useful for managing projects or specific workflows designed for earlier iterations of SAMSON.
In Conclusion
The ability to install older versions of SAMSON is a user-centric feature that simplifies life for molecular modelers. If you need further guidance, you can refer to the original documentation page here.
Note: SAMSON and all SAMSON Extensions are free for non-commercial use. You can get it here.