Learning how to use sophisticated molecular design tools like SAMSON can be daunting for both beginners and seasoned modelers tackling new workflows. Whether you’re exploring SAMSON’s features for the first time or diving into advanced techniques, one of the most effective ways to learn is through interactive tutorials. These tutorials offer a hands-on approach, guiding users step-by-step directly within the application environment.
What Are Interactive Tutorials?
Interactive tutorials in SAMSON are designed to provide contextual guidance. They aren’t just static instructions to read and follow elsewhere; instead, SAMSON walks you through tasks as you interact with the platform. By following these tutorials, you can practice specific workflows or workflows you’ve never tried before, all while becoming more comfortable with SAMSON’s interface.
Example: Want to learn how to manipulate molecules or explore a new analysis feature? Interactive tutorials will guide you directly within the app, helping you practice in a real-world context.
When Should You Use Them?
These tutorials shine in two key scenarios:
- Starting out: If you’re new to SAMSON or need an onboarding refresher, interactive tutorials are an excellent next step after reviewing key interface elements in First look: the interface. They bridge the gap between reading and hands-on action.
- Mastering workflows: If a tutorial aligns with the workflow you’re trying to learn or refine, it’s an efficient way to save time and avoid mistakes.
Keep in mind that tutorials can be completed at your own pace. They don’t have to be used right away—return whenever you’re ready to focus on a particular area of SAMSON’s functionality.
How to Access Interactive Tutorials
Launching interactive tutorials in SAMSON is simple:
- Navigate to Help > Tutorials in the application menu.
- Select the tutorial that matches your desired workflow or area of exploration.
- Click Start tutorial and let SAMSON guide you step-by-step.
Once started, the tutorial tip windows will appear in the application interface, offering instructions and highlighting key areas or tools you need to interact with. If you ever need to pause or stop, simply close the tutorial window in the top-right corner of the viewport.
Restarting and Retry Options
If you find yourself stuck or want to restart a tutorial for better understanding, you can easily do so:
- Stop the tutorial by closing its tip window.
- Revisit Help > Tutorials to start over from scratch.
Repetition is key to mastery, and the ability to restart tutorials makes this feature practical for learners of all levels.
Why Interactive Tutorials Are Worth Your Time
Unlike static tutorials or manuals, interactive tutorials enable you to:
- Learn in a hands-on, applied way that mirrors real workflows.
- Make mistakes and correct them in a guided environment.
- Develop confidence in navigating the complex interface.
After completing a tutorial, you’ll often find yourself able to repeat the demonstrated workflow without the tutorial’s help. If needed, you can also consult SAMSON’s documentation pages for further guidance.
Next Steps: Build Your Expertise
Interactive tutorials are just one part of SAMSON’s learning resources. As you become comfortable with tutorials, you can further explore your own structures, guided workflows, or even SAMSON AI for tailored suggestions. For structured learning, follow the links provided by the documentation to topics like Loading molecules or SAMSON AI.
Ready to dive deeper into interactive tutorials and elevate your molecular modeling process? Visit the official documentation page for more information: Interactive Tutorials in SAMSON.
Note: SAMSON and all SAMSON Extensions are free for non-commercial use. You can get SAMSON at SAMSON Connect.