A new release of the parametric detector Monte Carlo program \verb+SIMDET+
(version 4.01) is now available. We describe the principles of operation and
the usage of this program to simulate the response of a detector for the TESLA
linear collider. The detector components are implemented according to the TESLA
Technical Design Report. All detector component responses are treated in a
realistic way using a parametrisation of results from the {\em ab initio} Monte
Carlo program \verb+BRAHMS+. Pattern recognition is emulated using a complete
cross reference between generated particles and detector response. Also, for
charged particles, the covariance matrix and dE/dx information are made
available. An idealised energy flow algorithm defines the output of the
program, consisting of particles generically classified as electrons, photons,
muons, charged and neutral hadrons as well as unresolved clusters. The program
parameters adjustable by the user are described in detail. User hooks inside
the program and the output data structure are documented.Comment: 30 pages, 7 figure