Welcome back, listeners, to another episode of Continuous Improvement. I’m your host, Victor, and today we have an exciting topic to discuss – the journey of using Ubuntu Desktop and its migration to an AWS EC2 instance. If you’re a fan of Ubuntu like me, you won’t want to miss this episode.

It all started back in my university days when I first discovered Ubuntu Desktop as a Windows replacement. The community support and resourcefulness were truly exceptional. But, like any transition, there were challenges to overcome, such as hardware compatibility issues with webcams, sound, and keyboards.

At first, I admit, I made some rookie mistakes. I would blindly copy and paste commands into the terminal, only to realize later that I messed up my environment and had to reinstall Ubuntu Desktop multiple times. But, as they say, we learn from our mistakes.

Fast forward to today, and my journey with Ubuntu Desktop has taken a new turn. I’ve now migrated it to an AWS EC2 instance. With Google Chrome’s remote desktop setup, I enjoy the flexibility of choosing hardware based on my needs. However, I did face disappointment with the browser scrolling experience, especially when streaming YouTube videos.

But, as luck would have it, I stumbled upon an exciting announcement this morning – the availability of Ubuntu Desktop on AWS Workspace. Intrigued by this new option, I wasted no time and immediately dove into exploring it. And guess what? I’m actually recording this podcast episode from the Ubuntu Desktop on AWS Workspace setup.

Now, let’s dive into the step-by-step guide, shall we?

Step 0: Before diving into the setup process, you’ll need to set up a directory. You have the option to choose between AWS Managed Microsoft AD or Simple AD, depending on your needs. In my case, I opted for Simple AD, as I needed an inexpensive Active Directory compatible service.

Step 1: Once your directory is set up, you can proceed to create an AWS-managed workspace. This process takes some time and requires you to register it as well.

Steps 2 & 3: Next, create a user and identify their credentials. Ensure everything is set up correctly.

Step 4: Now comes the exciting part – selecting the Ubuntu Desktop bundle. Keep in mind that the UI may be a bit cumbersome, lacking search and filter functionality. You may need to navigate to the last page to find the Ubuntu options. Take your time to choose the hardware configuration that suits your needs. I personally went for the performance option, as it currently has a free tier promotion.

Step 5: It’s decision time – “Always On” or “AutoStop.” I chose the “AutoStop” option with a one-hour timeout for cost-saving purposes.

Step 6: Optional encryption is available, but for now, I recommend skipping it unless you require additional security measures.

Now, all you have to do is wait for the status to change from “Pending” to “Ready.” Once the workspace is ready, you can start connecting using the registration code. Moreover, one fantastic feature of Ubuntu Desktop on AWS Workspace is the ability to access it via the web. Here’s how to enable it:

Go to the WorkSpaces console at https://console.aws.amazon.com/workspaces/ and navigate to “Directories.” Choose your directory, then select “Actions” and “Update Details.” Expand the “Access Control Options” section and locate “Other Platforms.” Click on “Web Access” and choose “Update and Exit.”

Congratulations! You’re now ready to access Ubuntu Desktop from any web browser. Simply visit https://clients.amazonworkspaces.com/webclient and input your registration code.

Enter your username and password. If you’ve forgotten your directory password, don’t worry; you can easily reset it through your AWS console.

And there you have it! You’re now logged in to a fully functional Ubuntu Desktop in your web browser. This setup offers incredible convenience and allows access from anywhere. So far, my experience has been outstanding, and I’m delighted with the user experience.

If you have any questions or need further information about this setup, don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m here to help and share knowledge with our wonderful community.

That concludes today’s episode of Continuous Improvement. Thank you for tuning in and joining me on this Ubuntu Desktop journey. I hope you found this information valuable and that it will enhance your Ubuntu experience. Remember, as we navigate the world of technology, there’s always room for continuous improvement.

Until next time, this is Victor signing off. Stay curious and keep improving!