How to use the MIDAS Manual

This document is intended to be a description of how to use the various facilities available in the MIDAS system. The manual consists of three volumes:

Volume A:

describes the basic MIDAS system with all general purpose facilities such as MIDAS Control Language, data input/output (including graphics and image display), table system (MIDAS Data Base). A summary of all available commands as well as site specific features are given in appendices.

Volume B:

describes how to use the MIDAS system for astronomical data reduction. Application packages for special types of data or reductions (e.g. long slit and echelle spectra, object search, or crowded field photometry) are discussed assuming intensity calibrated data. A set of appendices gives a detailed description of the reduction of raw data from ESO instruments.

Volume C:

gives the detailed description for all commands available.

It is intended that users will mainly need Volume A for general reference. For specific reduction of raw data and usage of special astronomical packages, Volume B will be more informative. A printed version of the MIDAS help files is available in Volume C. Users are recommended to use the on-line help facility which always gives a full up to date description of the commands available.