In fact, an AWS EC2 instance doesn't provide a full…
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In fact, an AWS EC2 instance doesn't provide a full graphical environment (like Chrome or a file explorer) by default. What you get with PuTTY is only terminal access (SSH). This is normal, because EC2 is designed as a minimalist server, not a desktop PC.
If you need to run Selenium tests with a true graphical (non-headless) browser, you have several options:
1. Use an AMI with a graphical interface
You can install a Linux distribution with Xfce, GNOME, or KDE and configure a VNC or RDP server.
Then, you install Google Chrome or Firefox on this machine.
You connect via a VNC/RDP client and you have a real desktop with a file explorer and browser.
2. Use AWS Workspaces or AppStream
AWS Workspaces is designed to provide a complete virtual desktop (Windows or Linux).
AppStream 2.0 allows you to stream applications like Chrome directly from the cloud. These solutions are closer to what you imagine: a real remote PC with a graphical interface.
3. Simpler Alternatives
Cloud desktop services like Azure Virtual Desktop or Google Cloud Workstations.
Or even rent a Windows VPS from a traditional hosting provider: you'll have Chrome and File Explorer right away.
4. Automation Without Dependence on Your PC
You can use Selenium Grid hosted in the cloud, with nodes configured to run Chrome in non-headless mode.
Or specialized services like BrowserStack or Sauce Labs, which offer real-world environments for testing websites with Selenium, without having to maintain your own machine.
In short: EC2 alone = minimal terminal. To have Chrome and a graphical browser, you either need to install a desktop environment and manage it yourself (VNC/RDP), use virtual desktop services (WorkSpaces, AppStream), or use ready-made automated testing platforms.
If you need to run Selenium tests with a true graphical (non-headless) browser, you have several options:
1. Use an AMI with a graphical interface
You can install a Linux distribution with Xfce, GNOME, or KDE and configure a VNC or RDP server.
Then, you install Google Chrome or Firefox on this machine.
You connect via a VNC/RDP client and you have a real desktop with a file explorer and browser.
2. Use AWS Workspaces or AppStream
AWS Workspaces is designed to provide a complete virtual desktop (Windows or Linux).
AppStream 2.0 allows you to stream applications like Chrome directly from the cloud. These solutions are closer to what you imagine: a real remote PC with a graphical interface.
3. Simpler Alternatives
Cloud desktop services like Azure Virtual Desktop or Google Cloud Workstations.
Or even rent a Windows VPS from a traditional hosting provider: you'll have Chrome and File Explorer right away.
4. Automation Without Dependence on Your PC
You can use Selenium Grid hosted in the cloud, with nodes configured to run Chrome in non-headless mode.
Or specialized services like BrowserStack or Sauce Labs, which offer real-world environments for testing websites with Selenium, without having to maintain your own machine.
In short: EC2 alone = minimal terminal. To have Chrome and a graphical browser, you either need to install a desktop environment and manage it yourself (VNC/RDP), use virtual desktop services (WorkSpaces, AppStream), or use ready-made automated testing platforms.
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