Databases

Firebird SQL on Windows User Guide

| Product: Firebird SQL on Windows

Overview

This guide covers the deployment and configuration of Firebird SQL on Windows Server using cloudimg AMIs from the AWS Marketplace. Firebird is a relational database management system that offers ANSI SQL compliance, ACID transactions, and support for stored procedures, triggers, and views.

What's included in this AMI:

  • Firebird SQL 4 with database listener on port 3050
  • FirebirdSQL Windows Service for automatic startup on boot
  • Windows Server with Remote Desktop access
  • 24/7 cloudimg support with guaranteed 24 hour response SLA

Prerequisites

Before launching this AMI, ensure you have:

  1. An active AWS account
  2. An active subscription to the Firebird SQL on Windows listing on AWS Marketplace
  3. An EC2 key pair for password decryption
  4. A Remote Desktop client application

Recommended Instance Type: t3.small (2 vCPU, 2 GB RAM) or larger. The minimum requirements are 1 vCPU, 1 GB RAM, and 20 GB disk space.

Step 1: Launch the AMI

  1. Navigate to the AWS Marketplace and search for "Firebird SQL Windows cloudimg"
  2. Click Continue to Subscribe, accept the terms, then Continue to Configuration
  3. Select your preferred Region and Software Version
  4. Click Continue to Launch
  5. Choose Launch through EC2 for full control over instance configuration
  6. Select your instance type (t3.small recommended)
  7. Configure storage: 20 GB gp3 minimum
  8. Configure your Security Group with the following inbound rules:
Port Protocol Source Purpose
3389 TCP Your IP Remote Desktop (RDP) access
3050 TCP Your IP Firebird SQL database listener for remote connectivity

Important: Restrict port 3050 to trusted application servers or your IP only.

  1. Select your EC2 key pair and launch the instance

Step 2: Retrieve the Windows Password

Wait for the EC2 instance to pass 2/2 status checks.

  1. Open the AWS Console and navigate to EC2 > Instances
  2. Select your instance
  3. Click Actions > Security > Get Windows password
  4. Click Browse and upload your EC2 key pair .pem file
  5. Click Decrypt password
  6. Note the Username (Administrator) and the decrypted Password

Important: It may take up to 15 minutes after launch before the Windows password is available.

Step 3: Connect via Remote Desktop

Open your Remote Desktop client:

On Windows: 1. Press Win + R, type mstsc, and press Enter 2. Enter the public IP address of your instance 3. Click Connect

On macOS: 1. Open Microsoft Remote Desktop 2. Click Add PC and enter the public IP address 3. Double click the connection to connect

When prompted: - Username: Administrator - Password: The decrypted value from Step 2

If a certificate warning appears, click Continue to proceed.

Step 4: Verify Firebird SQL Service

The FirebirdSQL service starts automatically on boot.

To verify via Windows Services:

  1. From the Start Menu, search for Services and click to open
  2. Locate FirebirdSQL in the list
  3. Verify the status shows Running

Step 5: Connect to Firebird SQL

Use a Firebird compatible database client to connect:

  • Host: localhost (from within the instance) or the public/private IP (remote)
  • Port: 3050
  • Username: SYSDBA
  • Password: The default Firebird SYSDBA password (typically masterkey unless changed)

Managing the Firebird SQL Service

FirebirdSQL runs as a Windows Service and starts automatically on boot.

To manage via Windows Services:

  1. From the Start Menu, search for Services and click to open
  2. Locate FirebirdSQL in the list
  3. Right click to Start, Stop, or Restart the service

Using PowerShell:

# Check Firebird service status
Get-Service -Name "FirebirdServer*"

# Stop Firebird
Stop-Service -Name "FirebirdServer*"

# Start Firebird
Start-Service -Name "FirebirdServer*"

Server Components

Component Version
Firebird SQL 4

Filesystem Layout

Drive Description
C:\ System drive with Windows and Firebird SQL installation

Key directories:

Directory Purpose
C:\Program Files\Firebird Firebird SQL installation
C:\Program Files\Firebird\Firebird_4_0 Firebird 4 binaries and configuration

Troubleshooting

Cannot connect to Firebird on port 3050

  1. Verify the FirebirdSQL service is running in Windows Services
  2. Check your security group allows port 3050 from your IP
  3. Check Windows Firewall is not blocking port 3050
  4. Verify the listener is active: netstat -an | findstr 3050

Cannot connect via RDP

  1. Verify the instance has passed 2/2 status checks
  2. Check that your security group allows port 3389 from your IP
  3. Wait up to 15 minutes for the Windows password to be available

Security Recommendations

  • Change the SYSDBA password immediately after deployment
  • Change the Administrator password for Windows after first login
  • Restrict port access: Only allow port 3050 from trusted IPs
  • Create application specific users with limited privileges
  • Enable Windows Update: Keep the OS patched with the latest security updates
  • Back up databases regularly using the Firebird gbak utility

Support

If you encounter any issues with this product, contact cloudimg support:

  • Email: support@cloudimg.co.uk
  • Website: www.cloudimg.co.uk
  • Support hours: 24/7 with guaranteed 24 hour response SLA