@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: 11/13/92
mod_num: 3
@end(header)
@b<This window provides an overview of the ASSIST.>

The ASSIST is an X11 graphical user interface that can be layerd on
top of command-line environments such as IRAF.  It is based on the
Answer Garden System (AGS) that originally was designed to help groups
organize and access databases of infomation, and especially questions
and answers to experts.  The ASSIST provides users with a convenient
way to:

* inspect and change task parameters @break
* run tasks @break
* view task and package help files @break
* submit comments, questions, bug reports @break
* try out recipes and tutorials @break
* traverse the IRAF package hierarchy, @break
  loading selected packages @break
* find and access tasks in the IRAF hierarchy @break
  using keyword searches

The ASSIST system consists of the ASSIST program, a directory
browser called XDir, and a target analysis system (e.g.,
IRAF), in three separate windows.  The ASSIST window will
translate the user's graphical commands (e.g., mouse clicks) into
analysis commands, and will send these commands to the target analysis
window.  The target window will run these commands as if the user had
typed them directly into the cl.  The user can also type directly into
the target window to execute commands.

To learn how to get started with ASSIST:
@button<Getting Started With ASSIST, Getting_Started>

To learn about known bugs and limitations in ASSIST:
@button<Bugs and Limitations, Bugs_Limits>

To learn how to interact with ASSIST:
@button<Interacting With ASSIST, Interacting>

To learn how to tailor ASSIST for individual needs:
@button<Tailoring The ASSIST, Tailoring>

To learn about the XDir Directory Browser program:
@button<XDir Directory Browser Overview, XDir_Overview>