If you’re involved in molecular modeling, you’ve likely faced this common issue: figuring out how to carry out unfamiliar tasks in a new software tool while staying focused on your research goals. From molecule editing to simulation setup, the learning curve in integrative modeling software can sometimes feel like a field of speed bumps.
Fortunately, if you’re using SAMSON, there’s a built-in solution that can quietly save you hours—perhaps even days—of trial and error: interactive tutorials.
What Are SAMSON’s Interactive Tutorials?
SAMSON integrates step-by-step interactive tutorials that run inside the platform itself. These tutorials are not videos or external help articles. Instead, they guide you in real time as you perform actions, providing instructional tips directly within the SAMSON interface.
It works a bit like having an experienced colleague looking over your shoulder, helping you click through the solution without ever taking over your keyboard. This makes them especially useful not only for beginners but also for experienced users exploring new features or extensions.
How to Access a Tutorial
Launching an interactive tutorial in SAMSON is straightforward:
- Open SAMSON.
- Go to Help > Tutorials.
- Select the tutorial you want to try.
- Click Start tutorial.
The tutorial tip windows then appear contextually as you work, helping you proceed through each step.
Why Not Just Watch a Video?
Interactive tutorials offer an advantage over traditional video walkthroughs: they take place inside the application itself. This means you learn by doing, not just by watching. For molecular modeling tasks that often require precise sequences—e.g., selecting atoms, modifying structures, setting force fields—being guided hands-on offers a more efficient way to retain that knowledge.
What if You Want to Stop?
If you need to pause or exit a tutorial, just close the tutorial’s tip window, located in the top-right corner of the Viewport. You can go back at any time to re-launch the tutorial from the Help > Tutorials menu.
Beyond the Basics
The interactive tutorials focus not only on getting started but also extend into specific features. If you’re using or developing SAMSON Extensions, there’s even an additional set of extension-specific tutorials available here. Perfect for users aiming to tailor SAMSON to their own scientific goals.
Final Thoughts
Learning a new modeling environment can feel daunting when you’re racing against paper submission deadlines or grant proposals. SAMSON’s interactive tutorials are a quiet but powerful ally, keeping you focused and productive while you pick up new workflows. Give them a try and see how quickly you can get hands-on with new tools.
Learn more in the official documentation.
SAMSON and all SAMSON Extensions are free for non-commercial use. You can download SAMSON at https://www.samson-connect.net.