AWS: How-To

aws_rdp.txt

# How to Initially RDP into EC2 Windows Instance
Assuming the default security group for an EC2 instance was selected during its initial setup, a new security rule must be created before the machine is accessible through RDP.
 
From the AWS Management Console select the Amazon EC2 tab. Then:
1) Select 'Security Groups' in the 'Navigation' pane
2) Select your security group (e.g., default)
3) Select the 'Inbound' tab
4) Select RDP from the 'Create a new rule:' dropdown.
5) Click the 'Add Rule' button
6) Click the 'Apply Rule Changes'

You should see the new rule added on the right side of the Inbound tab. For example:
TCP Port (Service)      Source
------------------      ---------
3389 (RDP)              0.0.0.0/0

aws_sql_setup.txt

# How to connect to SQL Server Express named instance
Assumes: 
* SQL Server and SQL Server Browser is running
* Shared Memory, Named Pipes, TCP/IP protocols are enabled
* SQL Server Properties > Security > SQL Server and Windows Authentication mode is enabled

SETUP:
1) TCP/IP: Add 1433 to IPALL
2) AWS Firewall: Add MSSQL Inbound AWS rule
3) Server Firewall: Add sqlbrowser, sqlexe to server firewall rule
4) SSMS > Security > Logins: Create sql server authentication login 

CONNECT:
1) Connect via SSMS: 
Server name: PUBLIC_DNS\INSTANCE_NAME, PORT (e.g., SOME_IP\EC2SQLEXPRESS, 1433)
Authentication: SQL Server Authentication
Login: SOME_USER
Password: SOME_PASSWORD