How to Browse Web using an EC2 Instance

@Jon, you'll need to run an EC2 instance with a graphical user interface. Windows would be the fastest way. You can do it with Linux but must install extra software.

Instructions to Set Up a Windows EC2 Instance and Connect via Remote Desktop

1. Launch a Windows EC2 Instance:

   • Log in to the AWS Management Console and navigate to the EC2 Dashboard.
   • Click "Launch Instances."
   • Choose a Windows Amazon Machine Image (AMI) such as "Microsoft Windows Server 2025 Base.",
   • Select the instance type (e.g., "t4.micro" for free-tier eligible users) and click "Next: Configure Instance Details."
   • Leave the default configurations for instance details unless specific changes are required.
   • Set the storage size (e.g., 30 GiB for Windows free-tier eligibility).
   • Add tags to identify your instance (optional).
   • Configure the security group to allow RDP (Port 3389):
     • Add an Inbound Rule:
       • Type: RDP
       • Protocol: TCP
       • Port Range: 3389
       • Source: Choose "My IP" for better security or "Anywhere" for more flexibility (less secure).
   • Review the configuration and click "Launch."
   • Create or select an existing key pair, then download the private key file (.pem) and store it securely.

2. Retrieve the Administrator Password:

   • Wait until the instance's "Instance State" is running and "Status Checks" show "2/2."
   • Select the instance and click "Actions > Security > Get Windows Password."
   • Upload your private key file (.pem), click "Decrypt Password," and note the administrator password.

3. Connect to the Instance Using Remote Desktop:

   • Copy the Public IPv4 address or Public DNS name from the instance details.
   • Open "Remote Desktop Connection" on your local machine:
     • On Windows: Search for "Remote Desktop Connection" in the Start menu.
     • On Mac: Use an RDP client like "Microsoft Remote Desktop" (download from the App Store).
   • Enter the Public IPv4 address or Public DNS name into the Remote Desktop client.
   • Log in using the username "Administrator" and the password you retrieved.
   • Click "Connect."

4. Post-Connection Configuration (Optional):

   • Update the Windows OS using Windows Update.
   • Install any required software.
   • Adjust the security group to allow inbound RDP traffic only from trusted IPs.

5. Troubleshooting Tips:

   • Verify that Port 3389 (RDP) is open in the security group.
   • Confirm the instance is in a public subnet with proper Internet Gateway routing.
   • Use the correct .pem file and password.
   • Ensure your local machine allows outbound RDP traffic.