Microsoft Azure Documentation

What is an Azure Virtual Machine?

An Azure Virtual Machine (VM) is an on-demand, scalable computing resource that you can create when you need it and then remove or shut down when you don't. It provides the functionality of a physical computer but is virtualized and hosted in Azure's cloud.

What are the benefits of using Azure VMs?

• Scalability: Easily scale up or down based on demand.
• Flexibility: Run various operating systems and applications.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Pay only for what you use with flexible pricing models.
• Reliability: Benefit from Azure's robust infrastructure and uptime guarantees.
• Security: Leverage Azure's built-in security features.

How do I create an Azure VM?

You can create an Azure VM through the Azure portal, Azure CLI, PowerShell, or ARM templates. The Azure portal provides a user-friendly graphical interface for quick deployment.

Key steps typically involve:

1. Choosing an image (e.g., Windows Server, Ubuntu).
2. Selecting a size and configuration.
3. Configuring networking and storage.
4. Setting up authentication (e.g., password, SSH keys).

What operating systems can I run on Azure VMs?

Azure supports a wide range of operating systems, including various distributions of Linux (Ubuntu, CentOS, RHEL, SUSE) and Windows Server. You can also deploy custom images.

How is VM pricing determined?

VM pricing is primarily based on the VM size (CPU, RAM, storage), the operating system, the region, and the billing model (pay-as-you-go, reservations, Azure Hybrid Benefit).

What is the difference between Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) and Platform as a Service (PaaS)?

Azure VMs are an example of IaaS, where you manage the operating system, middleware, and applications. PaaS services, like Azure App Service, abstract away the underlying infrastructure, allowing you to focus solely on your application code.

How can I secure my Azure VMs?

Security best practices include:

• Using Network Security Groups (NSGs) to control network traffic.
• Implementing strong authentication methods.
• Regularly patching and updating the operating system and applications.
• Utilizing Azure Security Center for threat detection and recommendations.
• Encrypting data at rest and in transit.

What are Azure Reserved Virtual Machine Instances (RIs)?

Azure RIs allow you to reserve VM capacity in advance for a one-year or three-year term, significantly reducing your costs compared to pay-as-you-go pricing for predictable workloads.

How do I connect to my Azure VM?

For Windows VMs, you typically use Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP). For Linux VMs, you use Secure Shell (SSH).

Example SSH connection:

ssh username@your-vm-public-ip-address

What is Azure Backup for VMs?

Azure Backup is a cloud-based backup solution that protects your data by backing up Azure VMs to Azure. It provides reliable, automated backups and easy recovery options.