When working in molecular modeling or computational chemistry, you might occasionally need to revert to an older version of a software platform. Whether it’s due to compatibility issues with specific plugins or extensions, or simply because a trusted workflow requires it, the process of downgrading can sometimes feel daunting. If you’re using SAMSON, the integrative molecular design platform, you’re in luck—installing an older version of SAMSON is straightforward, and this blog will walk you through the process.
Why Downgrade to an Older Version?
Extensions or workflows you rely on might only be supported in certain versions of SAMSON. Alternatively, you could be collaborating with a team or educational group already using a previous version. Whatever the case, SAMSON makes it clear and easy to navigate the installation of older versions.
Step-By-Step Guide for Installing an Older SAMSON Version
Fortunately, the same installer used for the latest version of SAMSON can help you install an older version. Here’s a simple guide:
- Run the SAMSON installer: Download and launch the SAMSON installer from the SAMSON website if you don’t already have it.
- Select the “Install an older version” option: At the second step of the installation process, you’ll find an option to install an older version. Make sure to check this box. Here’s how it looks:
- Choose your preferred version: At the next step, you’ll see a list of available versions, represented by their developer version numbers. For instance, version 2.0.2 corresponds to the 2021 release of SAMSON. To cross-reference version numbers and release years, you can consult the User Guides for other SAMSON versions.
- Finish installation: Follow the rest of the prompts to complete the installation of the selected version.
Managing Multiple Versions
If you’ve installed multiple versions of SAMSON, you may need to ensure you’re opening the correct one for your needs. Here are the locations for launching specific versions of SAMSON across different operating systems:
- Windows:
C:/Users/%USERNAME%/OneAngstrom/SAMSON-Application/11.0.0/Binaries/SAMSON-Core.exe - macOS:
$HOME/Applications/SAMSON.app/ - Linux:
$HOME/OneAngstrom/SAMSON-Application/11.0.0/Binaries/SAMSON-Core.sh
Simply navigate to these directories to launch the version you need.
Conclusion
By following these steps, you can easily install and manage older versions of SAMSON, ensuring compatibility with your specific research workflows or team requirements. For the complete guide and additional details, visit the official FAQ page.
Note: SAMSON and all SAMSON Extensions are free for non-commercial use. You can get SAMSON at https://www.samson-connect.net.