For many molecular modelers, getting started with new software can be a time-consuming process. Advanced platforms often come with complex interfaces, and even experienced users can find themselves spending hours trying to accomplish what should be a simple task. Wouldn’t it be helpful if you could learn by doing, directly within the platform itself?
Fortunately, SAMSON includes a set of built-in interactive tutorials that help users get hands-on experience while learning how to carry out important modeling tasks. These tutorials are available directly inside SAMSON and cover a range of fundamental operations, from navigating the interface to performing basic simulations.
Why Interactive Tutorials Matter
Documentation and online guides are useful, but reading alone can’t replace live interaction. With SAMSON’s tutorials, you’re not just reading about a tool—you’re actually using it.
This helps reduce the learning curve and avoid frustration, especially when working on deadlines or navigating the platform for the first time. Because the environment is live, you can immediately see the results of your actions, ask fewer questions on forums, and get up to speed more quickly. Plus, you don’t need to switch windows or search for commands—the tutorials guide you step-by-step in real time.
How to Access the Tutorials
You’ll find them under Help > Tutorials in the SAMSON menu. From there, just choose the tutorial you need and click Start tutorial. The platform will immediately open a context-sensitive tip window that walks you through each task.
Can’t Finish a Tutorial Right Away?
No problem. If you need to stop, simply close the tutorial tip window. You can restart the tutorial later from the same Help > Tutorials section. No progress gets lost, and there’s no penalty for trying things out in your own way.
Who Are These Tutorials For?
These tutorials are useful for anyone working in molecular modeling, whether you’re a student just beginning to explore molecular design or an advanced researcher transitioning to a new tool. If you’ve ever struggled to remember where a setting was or how to start a particular kind of simulation, walking through a guided tutorial can save you considerable time and effort.
They’re also ideal for teaching environments, where instructors want to help students become comfortable with SAMSON’s interface in a structured way without preparing additional training material.
What If I’m Using Extensions?
These built-in tutorials include essential operations, but if you’re using specific SAMSON Extensions, there’s also a dedicated set of SAMSON Extensions Tutorials available online. These are complementary resources that dive into specialized tools provided by various extensions.
Conclusion
If you’ve been putting off learning SAMSON because you thought it would take too long to get started, give the built-in interactive tutorials a try. They’re available any time, right inside the program, ready to guide you step-by-step.
To learn more, visit the full documentation page: https://documentation.samson-connect.net/users/latest/interactive-tutorials/
SAMSON and all SAMSON Extensions are free for non-commercial use. To get SAMSON, visit https://www.samson-connect.net.