@begin(header)
author: Eric Mandel
show_author: ShowNone
author_organization: Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory
node_expert: eric@cfa.harvard.edu
expiration_date: 12/31/93
last_modifier: eric@cfa.harvard.edu
last_mod_date: 12/06/92
mod_num: 2
@end(header)
@b<This window will tell you about the helpful tasks that are placed at the top-leve of the ASSIST tree.>

The @b<HELPFUL TASKS> branch of the top-level tree contains useful
IRAF tasks.  This branch is displayed if IRAF is being accessed as
part of the ASSIST. Currently, the following tasks are available:

@b<Locate Tasks> @break
This is a special version of the IRAF
@b<references> task.  When activated, it brings up the references
parameter editor.  The @b<topic> parameter in the param editor can be
set for a topic or task name.  Metacharacters are allowed (see the
help page for more infomation).  When the task is run, it reads the
IRAF help data base to find tasks what match the specified topic.  A
new grapher tree containing these tasks is then created.  Activating
one of the leaves on this grapher tree will bring up the appropriate
parameter editor for that task.  All necessary packages are loaded
automatically.  In this way, users can access tasks without having to
traverse the IRAF package tree.

@b<Panic Button> @break
When activiated, the Panic Button brings up a window containing a
command button labelled @b<Panic> which will send the IRAF @b<flprca>
command to the IRAF window.  This command will flush IRAF's program
cache, releasing all unlocked programs from memory.  Executing flprca
often will remedy unexplicable IRAF problems.