When you are in the middle of a modeling task, learning a new tool can feel like another task competing for your attention. You may need one specific answer—how to inspect a structure, align proteins, or make a clearer visualization—rather than an hour-long tour of software. The SAMSON webinar recordings are easier to use when you treat them as searchable, chaptered reference guides instead of videos you have to watch from beginning to end.
The documentation provides chapter links for the SAMSON 2025 and 2024 webinar recordings. Those timestamps let you jump directly to a topic, see whether it applies to your current work, and return later if you need more context. Here is a practical way to use them.
Start with the problem in front of you
Before opening a recording, describe the obstacle in one sentence. For example: “I need to select a part of this structure,” or “I want to compare protein structures.” That small step helps you choose a relevant chapter instead of browsing through unrelated material.
- Inspecting or selecting structures: In the 2025 recording, Progressive Clipping is covered at 7:27, and Quick Groups at 14:42. For selection workflows in the 2024 recording, see the chapters on the Document View and Context Toolbar at 13:15, viewport selection and filters at 16:29, or Selection Commands at 17:37.
- Comparing proteins: The 2025 recording demonstrates the Protein Aligner at 20:33, describing its use for aligning multiple protein sequences and structures.
- Explaining interactions: At 30:02 in the 2025 recording, the Interaction designer is used to create and edit 2D and 3D protein–ligand interaction diagrams.
- Improving a figure or presentation: The 2024 recording covers Cycles, the integrated path tracer from Blender, at 23:47, followed by the Visual Preset Editor at 26:32 and the Animator at 31:52.
Use a chapter as a focused learning session
Once you find a likely match, watch that section with a concrete goal: identify the relevant tool, understand the basic workflow shown, and decide whether it fits your task. Then pause the video and try the operation in your own project. If the demonstration assumes a step you have not learned yet, use another chapter or the SAMSON documentation to fill that gap. This turns passive viewing into a short, practical experiment.
It can also help to keep a small “next time” list while watching. Record the feature name, the timestamp, and the problem it may help solve. For example: “Protein Aligner — 20:33 — compare structures.” A short note makes it easier to return to a useful demonstration without searching again.
When you need a broader tour
If you are new to SAMSON, the 2024 recording gives a wider overview, including documentation and interactive tutorials at 6:55, SAMSON AI at 9:00, and the Interactive Sequence Viewer at 21:26. Later chapters cover GROMACS simulation visualization at 36:40 and creating apps and executable documents with the integrated Python Environment at 39:39. These sections can help you discover workflows beyond the immediate problem you started with.
You do not need to watch every chapter in one sitting. Pick the task that matters today, use the timestamp to get oriented, and return to the recordings when a new modeling question comes up. The full chapter lists and recordings are available on the SAMSON webinars page.
Note: SAMSON and all SAMSON Extensions are free for non-commercial use. Get SAMSON.