In order to run Ghost Cloud File System you need to purchase the Ghost Cloud FS (Storage Service) DevPay Product. But before purchasing the devpay product you should first configure and run a Ghost CFS Amazon EC2 instance from Ghost CFS AMI.
2.1 Starting Amazon Ghost Cloud FS instance from AMI
- Sign in to your Amazon AWS account. Make sure your select "I am a returning customer and my password is:"
- Now you need to launch an EC2 server instance to run the CFS AMI software and you will need to get its web address. To launch the EC2 instance, go to " http://aws.amazon.com/console and click "Sign in to the AWS Console" and sign in to your Amazon Account. In the console, go to "AMIs" section on the left panel.
- Search for "GhostCFS" in the toolbar and then select the matching AMI with the highest available version number by clicking in the check box.
- Click on "Launch" in the upper toolbar. You can also right-click and select "Launch instance". The "Launch Instance Wizard" will appear.
- The first step allows you to choose the number of instances to launch, availability zones, and instance types. Choose "1" instance for now and select "Small" for the instance type. As for availability zones leave it as default unless you are an advanced user who prefers a certain availability zone. Make sure the Launch instance option is selected, not the second option (Request a Spot instance). Click Continue.
- The second step allows you to choose some advanced options. Leave parameters as default, leave user data as blank. Later we will show you how to use userdata to launch configured instances quickly. Click Continue.
- The third step asks you to select or create a new key pair. The key pair is used for securely accessing your instance. if you have previously launched a Ghost CFS instance select the key pair you have created previously, otherwise select create new key pair Enter a name such as GhostCFS1 for your key pair and then download and save the key pair (which is a .pem file) in a safe place. Then press "Continue".
- Next, configure the firewall by adding or selecting a security group. It is recommended to create a new CFS security group as CFS requires certain ports to be open. Select Create a new security group option, enter GhostCFSSecurity as a name, and any description that you like. Next, you need to configure your Security Group Allowed Connections. This will ensure that you can access the Web server on your EC2 server instance as well as the FTP server.
-
- SSH : select ssh under application, leave entire web, and click add rule.
- HTTP: select HTTP from the application combo, leave entire web and click add rule
- HTTPS: select HTTPS from the application combo, leave entire web and click add rule
- FTP: FTP configuration will be done later, after the instance starts up.
your firewall configuration should look like the figure below.
When you are done click on continue.
- Now review the information you have entered and when you are sure it is correct hit the launch button. You will then see a screen confirming that the instance is launching. Click close.
- Now selected "Instances" in the Navigation on the left of your Console. The Console will indicate that the instance is "starting".
- Wait until the status changes to "running" as shown below (this may take up 15 minutes). There is now an EC2 server successfully running the Ghost CFS Amazon Machine Image. Copy the Pubic DNS marked in red below to use it later on to access your instance.
- Next, you need to continue with the configuration of your Security Group to allow FTP access. Click on "Security Groups" in the left Navigation panel and check the group you previously created (called GhostCFSSecurity unless you chose a different name). If you have previously launched a CFS instance and have set up the Allowed Connections for your Security Group you may skip this step.
- The lower section will show a number of Connection Methods namely SSH, HTTP, and HTTPS. You need to add two more Connection Methods as follows by filling in the form (which starts with Connection Method "Custom…") two times as follows and pressing "Save" each time:
- Now you need to purchase the Ghost Cloud FS for S3 by following this link: " https://aws-portal.amazon.com/gp/aws/user/subscription/index.html?offeringCode=FE523B14
- Review the order and click "Place your order".
- Copy the "Activation Code" shown. You will use it to configure your instance in the next step. You can keep this browser page open and/or double-click on the Activation Code and press CTRL+C to copy it and paste it elsewhere. Note that this "Activation Code" will be valid for one hour and you must configure your CFS EC2 instance during this time so don’t take your lunch break just now. If for any reason this Code expires, " click here to get a new one.
- Keep this page open since you will need to copy the "Activation Code" shown and use it to configure your instance in the next step. Note that this "Activation Code" will be valid for one hour and you must configure your CFS EC2 instance during this time. If for any reason this Code expires, " click here to get a new one. and press "Generate Key" opposite "Ghost Cloud FS (S3 Service)".
Connection Method |
Protocol |
From Port |
To Port | Source |
Custom (-) |
tcp |
20 |
22 | 0.0.0.0/0 |
Custom (-) |
tcp |
54110 |
55109 | 0.0.0.0/0 |
Your Security Group connections should like this:
sign in to your Amazon AWS Account. Make sure you select "I am a returning customer and my password is:"
You now have an active EC2 server instance running the Cloud CFS code (AMI) and you have an S3 account ready to store your files. Lastly you will have to configure your EC2 server to talk to your S3 account and also to your SimpleDB account.
You should have the following information stored away:
- Your Amazon AWS account Access Key and Secret Access Key
- Your Ghost CFS EC2 instance Key Pair (.pem file)
- The public DNS for your Ghost CFS EC2 instance
- Your Ghost CFS S3 Service Activation Code (valid for just one hour)