Molecular modeling often involves complex workflows that can feel overwhelming, even for experienced researchers. From navigating software interfaces to mastering advanced functionalities, learning everything by trial and error can be an inefficient process. SAMSON, the integrative molecular design platform, provides a solution to this common pain with its Interactive Tutorials.
These embedded tutorials guide you through specific tasks directly inside the SAMSON application, making it easier to learn by doing. Let’s explore how Interactive Tutorials can help you streamline your modeling process and accelerate your learning curve.
Why Use Interactive Tutorials?
The Interactive Tutorials in SAMSON are designed to help users practice concrete workflows in a guided environment. Unlike written guides or static videos, these tutorials work directly inside the software, allowing you to actively engage with the workflow as you learn. This hands-on approach ensures that you retain the skills you acquire and can easily replicate the same actions later without assistance.
For example, after completing a tutorial, you should be able to independently repeat the demonstrated workflow. If you ever get stuck, you can return to the same tutorial or consult the related documentation for further clarification.
When to Use Them
Interactive Tutorials are optional and are best used after you’ve familiarized yourself with the SAMSON interface through the First Look guide. You can also complement your knowledge with earlier steps from the onboarding sequence, like Moving Around and Loading Molecules.
Feel free to use these tutorials whenever they match a specific task or workflow you need to accomplish. They are perfect for exploring features you might not yet be proficient with or for tackling new challenges in molecular modeling.
How to Start a Tutorial
Starting an interactive tutorial in SAMSON is straightforward:
- Navigate to Help > Tutorials in the application menu.
- Select a tutorial that matches your task or interest.
- Click Start Tutorial.
Once started, a tutorial will guide you step by step within the SAMSON environment, using prompts and instructions to keep you focused on the task at hand.
Stopping and Restarting
If you need to stop a tutorial for any reason, simply close the tutorial tip window located in the top-right corner of the Viewport. You can always restart the tutorial later by returning to Help > Tutorials and selecting it again.
Advanced Tip
Are you extending SAMSON with custom workflows? Check out the SAMSON Extensions Tutorials for additional guidance on using extensions effectively. This resource can further expand your modeling capabilities.
Next Steps
Once you’ve practiced with an Interactive Tutorial, consider exploring other features within SAMSON:
- Continue with Loading Molecules to practice with your own structures.
- Try SAMSON AI for assistant-led help with questions, commands, and scripts.
To dive deeper into Interactive Tutorials, visit the official documentation page at https://documentation.samson-connect.net/users/latest/interactive-tutorials/.
SAMSON and all SAMSON Extensions are free for non-commercial use. You can download SAMSON at https://www.samson-connect.net.