WebConsole on Amazon

I manage my linux servers using ssh. From time to time I need to access them from places where ssh connection is not possible, e.g. behind firewall which enables HTTP only. Then I start a remote server with shell accessible via browser.

I use a simple solution using Amazon AWS EC2 service. I just start a prepared EC2 image on cheapest instance. This image contains installed Shell-in-a-box (Web based AJAX terminal emulator) and usage manual.

Shell In A Box implements a web server that can export arbitrary command line tools to a web based terminal emulator. For details see its homepage.

When I don't need the server anymore I just terminate it. The cost is several cents ($0.006/hour for Spot request server).

I you would like to try it the image name is ami-c73ef2ae (currently available only for US East - Northern Virginia).

WebConsole tutorial running on port 80

WebConsole shell running on port 443