Using the command line
So far within this chapter we have been using the AWS Console to manage our EC2 Instances. However, the AWS Console provides only a subset of the full range of commands that are available to manage your AWS services. Amazon provides a rich command-line interface that allows you to manage all of your instances remotely from your own desktop.
Installing the AWS command-line tools
In Windows, there are a number of steps to install the AWS command-line tools; however, installation is straightforward and should only take a few minutes.
Installing Java
The AWS command-line tools require Java 5 or later to be installed, so go to http://www.java.com/en/download/manual.jsp#win and download Java first, if you have not already done so.
Creating a location to store your data
Create a location on your hard disk that is easy to get to, for example, C:\AWS
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Getting your security keys
All of the AWS command-line tools rely on the use of your X.509 certificates. By default you will not have...