Hello,

I am using rybka 2.2 with arena interface, but I am new to its controls. Is there anyway to tell the engine play certain opening for the study purposes? Also, can I make it analyze different variations?

 If its not possible, what kind of software setup do I need for this purpose?

Thank you for the help.

For openings, I have been using Chess Position Trainer and in my opinion it is better than another program that costs alot of money, and it's freeware. Make sure you download some of the repertoires and download and read the excellent manual that comes with it.  

http://www.chesspositiontrainer.com/

You would need an opening book tailored to the opening you want the engine to play. Are you using Rybka through a chessbase interface, or the ChessOK Aquarium interface? I haven't really looked at what capabilities Aquarium has for creating a opening book. I own chessbase and will usually create any opening books I want in there, and then use them with Fritz or Rybka. I will have to look and see if the engine interface from Chessbase allows you to create books or not.

Other options for studying opening lines are Chess Position Trainer as suggested above which is free, or Chess Openings Wizard which costs money.