eArray is an extensive, flexible Web-based application that you can use in many ways. This topic explains how to get set up in eArray, and how to get an overview of some of eArray's main tasks. You must log in to eArray as a registered user to access most of its features.
Note: If you just want to try out eArray, you can log in as a guest user. Click Guest View on the eArray Login page and accept the eArray Terms of Use. Guest users have limited access to content and features, and receive an introductory view of the application.
Your workgroup must be registered in eArray. If your workgroup is new to eArray, and you want to set up your workgroup on it, see How to set up eArray. You will have the role of workgroup administrator.
You must have an eArray user account. If you do not have a user account, contact your workgroup administrator to set one up for you. You can also start the registration process yourself — see How do I register.
Your computer system must meet the system requirements.
Disable pop-up blocking software, since it may prevent eArray from functioning properly.
Familiarize yourself with the system of access privileges that eArray uses to control your access to specific folders and functionality. For more details, see Folders, roles, and privileges in eArray and Set user access privileges.
Log in to eArray.
Familiarize yourself with eArray's features and user interface. See Learn to navigate eArray. If you are an eArray default user (a "regular" non-administrative user), you can perform the tasks that are summarized in Tasks a default user can perform. If you are a workgroup administrator, you can perform the tasks that are summarized in Tasks a workgroup administrator can perform, in addition to all tasks available to default users. Guest users have only limited access to eArray. The main content types in eArray are:
Probes are the single-stranded reporter DNA molecules that are the fundamental components of microarrays. eArray stores both their nucleotide sequences as well as annotation and accession information. See Working with probes in eArray.
Probe groups are collections of probes associated by one or more criteria, and provide a means to organize probes. eArray stores probe groups as references to the probes within the group, not the actual probes themselves. See Working with probe groups.
Microarray designs contain one or more probe groups. A given design is a set of files that contains all of the information necessary to manufacture specific microarray slides, and to provide relevant information for downstream analysis. If more than one microarray slide is needed to accommodate a desired set of probes or probe groups, eArray can distribute the probes across multiple slides in a microarray set. See Microarray designs and sets.
Baits are the single-stranded biotinylated RNA molecules found in SureSelect Target Enrichment and SureSelect RNA Enrichment libraries. eArray organizes baits into bait groups. A bait library contains one or more bait groups. See SureSelect Target Enrichment libraries and RNA enrichment libraries.
In general, to take action on existing content items, you first find them with eArray's search or browse tools. You then click links or buttons to apply commands. To introduce new content into eArray, you can upload it, assemble it from existing content, or process existing or uploaded content.
See the following topics for overviews of some of the main tasks you can accomplish in eArray.
View available content
Create a microarray design/set with Agilent probes
Create a microarray design/set with your own probes
Use a wizard to create a microarray design/set
Create a bait library
Download, update, request quotes for, or buy microarrays and libraries
Collaborate with others in eArray
Note: As you design your microarray, read Agilent's design checklist and custom microarray design guidance document for your specific application type.