--------------------------------------------
INSTALLATION PROCESS (& BRIEF INTRODUCTION):
--------------------------------------------
(a few minutes only are necessary for reading and installing!)

00- subscribe to the mailing-list of each Software Package you are using.
    [As a first step of the installation process of any Software Package.]

01- unpack caos.new.tgz, containing the directory "caos" with the CAOS
    Application Builder 7.1, the CAOS Library 5.4, and the Template
    Package 5.0 that helps building one's own possible modules/packages.
    [note that no Software Package is included, but the template one.
    anyway the Software Packages are obtainable by visiting the CAOS
    web-page
       http://lagrange.oca.eu/caos/
    Updates and new versions will be distributed through the dedicated
    mailing-lists.]

02- UNIX/LINUX/MACOSX CASE:
    copy and adapt to your case (one working directory only, one working
    directory for each package installed, one working directory per simulation
    subjects, etc.) the aliases definition contained in the file "extract.bashrc"
    into your ".bashrc" file (or ".cshrc" adapting the script syntax). in any
    case the whole ensemble of installed packages can be used from any working
    directory.

03- unpack work_caos.tgz, containing the working directory "work_caos"
    where your future simulation "projects" will be stored and from where
    CAOS is launched. possibly reproduce and rename it ("work_airy",
    "work_sphere", etc.) if desired (UNIX/LINUX/MACOSX case only).

04- verify that you have write permission on the unpacked files.

05- change directory to work_caos (or whatever name you have chosen in point 03).

6a- UNIX/LINUX/MACOSX CASE:

   6a.1- fix the paths in caos_env.sh (or .csh, depending on your shell).
   6a.2- idem in caos_startup.pro.

6b- WINDOWS XP CASE:

   6b.1- unlike in the previous case, you can eliminate the files 
         caos_env.csh and caos_env.sh and, instead, define the three
         environment variables CAOS_WORK (complete address of working
         directory .../work_caos/), CAOS_ROOT (complete address of source
         code directory .../caos/), and CAOS_HTML (complete address of
         desired html browser) from the windows XP "Start" menu, in 
         "Settings -> System -> Advanced -> Environment".
   6b.2- eliminate within the file "caos_startup.pro" the lines defining
         the various necessary paths (caos/, astrolib/, etc.)
         and, instead, define them within the IDL preferences (from the IDL 
         "File" menu, in "Preferences -> Path").

7a- UNIX/LINUX/MACOSX CASE:

    directly launch "caos" or "airy" or whatever alias you have defined in 02.

7b- WINDOWS XP CASE:

    launch IDL.

08- type "worksheet" at the CAOS prompt in order to use the CAOS App.Builder.

09- install some Software Package !


NB: steps 1,2,3,4,6 are necessary just once (during installation), step 7
only is necessary in order to launch the CAOS "system", then step 8 only is
necessary in order to launch its (optional) global interface: the CAOS
App.Builder, steps 0,9 are necessary for each desired Soft.Pack.


------------------------
SOME ADDITIONAL REMARKS:
------------------------

+0- refer to the Template Package and included module xxx for a guide for
    writing a new module and so include your IDL code within the CAOS
    structure.

+1- refer to
       http://lagrange.oca.eu/caos
    and to
       caos-team@arcetri.astro.it
    for further informations on the CAOS system (or for submission of bug
    fixes, new useful modules, etc.).

+2- please never redistribute any CAOS part by yourself, rather refer to
    previous step -- or at least recomend step 0!

+3- refer to the CAOS tutorial given on the CAOS web-page
       http://lagrange.oca.eu/caos/
    for an example of use together with the Soft.Pack.CAOS.

+4- read the "CAOS_Application_Builder-from6.0to6.1to7.0to7.1.txt" for a brief
description of the main modifications concerning this version (7.1) of the
CAOS Application Builder.


---------------------------------------
written october 2012 - Marcel Carbillet