All About Azure Virtual Machine

Introduction to Azure

Microsoft Azure is a comprehensive cloud computing platform that supports a wide range of services and solutions. Organizations and developers use Azure for various purposes across infrastructure, development, and data science domains. Below are the major use cases explained:

1. Web Hosting

Azure provides robust support for hosting websites, web applications, blogs, and REST APIs. Through services like Azure App Service and Azure Static Web Apps, users can deploy scalable and secure web applications with minimal infrastructure management.

2. Virtual Machines (VMs)

Azure enables users to create and manage Virtual Machines on demand. These VMs can run various operating systems like Windows or Linux, and are ideal for hosting applications, running custom software, or simulating an on-premise environment in the cloud. This falls under Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS).

3. Databases

Azure offers multiple managed database services such as Azure SQL Database, Azure Database for MySQL, and Azure Cosmos DB. These services allow users to create scalable and highly available databases without the overhead of managing the underlying infrastructure.

4. Storage

Azure provides cloud-based storage solutions like Azure Blob Storage, Azure Files, and Azure Disk Storage. These can be used to store and manage large amounts of unstructured or structured data, such as files, backups, logs, images, and videos.

5. Networking

Azure networking services include tools like Virtual Networks (VNet), VPN Gateway, and Azure Front Door. These allow secure communication between services, hybrid connectivity between on-premises and cloud systems, and delivery optimization for global applications.

6. Security & Identity Services

These tools protect your apps, data, and users in the cloud by managing access, storing secrets, and detecting threats.

• Azure Active Directory (Azure AD) - Identity and access management

• Azure Key Vault - Secure storage for secrets and keys

• Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) - Assign permissions to users and apps

• Microsoft Defender for Cloud - Threat detection and security recommendations

• Azure Firewall - Controls network traffic

• Azure DDoS Protection - Prevents service overload attacks

Azure Pricing

• Pay-as-you-go: Pay only for what you use

• Reserved Instances: Prepay for 1 or 3 years to save money

• Spot Pricing: Big discounts for temporary, interruptible workloads

• Free Tier: Some services are free or have free limits

• Azure Pricing Calculator: to estimate the cost before creating resources

Key Azure Concepts to Know

• Resource Group: A container for related resources like VMs, storage, etc.

• Azure Portal: Web interface to manage Azure services.

• Azure CLI / PowerShell: Command-line tools for scripting and automation.

• Subscription: Your billing unit—everything you use is tied to it.

• Regions: Geographic locations where Azure data centers are (e.g., East US, West Europe).

🖥️ What is a Virtual Machine (VM)?

A Virtual Machine (VM) is like a computer inside a computer.

A Virtual Machine (VM) is a software-based computer that runs inside another physical computer.It behaves just like a real computer — it has its own operating system (OS), CPU, memory (RAM), storage, and network access — but it's not a physical machine. Instead, it runs virtually using software.

Definition:-

A Virtual Machine (VM) is a virtualized environment that runs an independent operating system and applications on top of a hypervisor, which manages physical hardware resources.

Basic Features of Azure Virtual Machines

1. Custom Operating Systems

   • Run Windows or Linux based on your needs.

2. Scalability

   • Choose how much CPU, RAM, and disk you need.

   • Easily resize your VM anytime.

3. Remote Access

   • Connect from anywhere using:

     • RDP for Windows

     • SSH for Linux

4. Pay-as-You-Go Pricing

   • Pay only while your VM is running — no upfront cost.

5. Persistent Storage

   • Data is not lost when you stop or restart the VM.

6. Security

   • Use Network Security Groups (NSG), firewalls, and encryption to protect your VM.

7. Global Availability

   • Create VMs in any Azure region around the world.

Basic Use Cases of Azure VMs

1. Host a Website or App
   Run personal or business websites and backend services.

2. Develop and Test Software
   Build, test, or debug applications in a safe environment.

3. Learn and Practice OS or Tools
   Try out Linux, Windows Server, or any software without affecting your own PC.

4. Use as Remote Desktop
   Access a virtual computer from anywhere.

5. Run Temporary Tasks
   Use VMs for short-term jobs like scripts, training, or demos.

Conclusion:

Azure VMs provide flexible, scalable, and secure cloud-based computers that let you run applications, host websites, develop software, and manage workloads without owning physical hardware. They offer easy setup, global availability, and pay-as-you-go pricing, making them ideal for businesses and developers of all sizes.

How to Use a Virtual Machine in Microsoft Azure (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Log in to the Azure Portal

1. Sign in with your Microsoft/Azure account.

Step 2: Create a Virtual Machine

• In the search bar at the top, type "Virtual Machines" and click it.

• Click + Create > Azure virtual machine

  

• Fill in basic details:

  • Subscription: Select your subscription

  • Resource group: Create new (e.g.,shreiya)

  • Virtual machine name: Example MyFirstVM

  • Region: Choose nearest location (e.g., Central India, East US)

    

  • Image: Choose OS (e.g., Windows Server 2022, Ubuntu)

    

  • Size: Choose based on need or keep it at the Default setting

  • Administrator username/password: Create a login for the VM

    

Click Next through the other tabs or leave the default settings

Step 4: Review and Create

• Click Review + create

• Then click Create

  

• Wait 1–2 minutes — your VM is now live!

💻 Step 5: Connect to the VM

If it’s a Windows VM:

1. Click on Go to resource

   

2. Click Connect > RDP

   

3. Download the .rdp file and open it

   

4. Log in with the username/password you set

   

5. The Virtual Machine Will open.

   

If it’s a Ubuntu VM:

• select the Ubuntu image

1. Click Next through the other tabs or leave the default settings

2. Review and Create

• click on creat

• Click on Go to resource

• copy the public IP address

  

• Open Putty and paste IP address

  

• Accept it.

• Now you can use Ubuntu.

Thank you!