Image capturing
I have looked around the net and put this brief summary together, could more experienced people have a look please and check it and provide advice to improve it.
Dark frames, take with lens cap on, match temperature, ISO, exposure length - take at least 12 if possible. Compensating for noise from imaging sensor
Flat frames, take images of an evenly illuminated field (light box) with the same optical setup and orientation as the lights (focuser in same position etc). Temp not important. Aim for an exposure length that gives you a hump around the middle of the histogram. Are used to correct the vignetting and uneven field illumination created by dust or smudges in your optical train.
Bias frames, take with lens cap on, match ISO, exposure length at fastest shutter speed (1/8000 second), take a lot 30+, quick to do. Temp not important. Used to remove the CCD or CMOS chip readout signal from the light frames.
Light frames, actual shots of the subject, get as many as possible.
Cheers
Brett