Overview of Microsoft AZ-104 Exam

Microsoft AZ-104 is a certification exam designed for individuals who want to become Microsoft Azure Administrators. This exam validates a candidate's ability to manage Azure resources, implement and manage storage, configure and manage virtual networking, and monitor Azure resources. As a fundamental requirement for Azure administrators, mastering virtual machines (VMs) is crucial since they form the backbone of cloud infrastructure.

Definition of Microsoft AZ-104 Exam

The Microsoft AZ-104 exam, also known as the Microsoft Azure Administrator certification, is a crucial step for IT professionals looking to establish expertise in Azure cloud services. It assesses candidates on their ability to manage Azure identities and governance, implement and manage storage, deploy and manage Azure compute resources, configure and manage virtual networking, and monitor Azure resources. Passing this exam demonstrates proficiency in administering core Azure services and solutions.

Understanding Azure Virtual Machines

Azure Virtual Machines (VMs) are a core component of Azure’s Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) offerings. They provide scalable, on-demand computing power for a variety of applications, from hosting simple websites to running complex enterprise applications. With Azure VMs, organizations can deploy Windows or Linux-based environments without investing in on-premises hardware. Azure VMs are highly customizable, allowing users to choose the operating system, CPU, memory, storage, and networking configurations according to their needs.

Prerequisites for Creating an Azure VM

Before creating a virtual machine in Azure, several prerequisites must be met:

  1. Azure Subscription: A valid Azure subscription is required to access Azure services.
  2. Resource Group: A logical container where the VM and associated resources will reside.
  3. Virtual Network (VNet) & Subnet: A network infrastructure that enables communication between the VM and other resources.
  4. Storage Account: Required for storing OS disks, data disks, and other resources.
  5. Public and Private IP Addresses: If external access to the VM is needed, a public IP address must be assigned.
  6. Operating System Image: Selection of a predefined OS image from the Azure Marketplace or uploading a custom image.
  7. Authentication Method: Choice between SSH keys (Linux) or passwords (Windows) for securing access to the VM.

Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a VM in Azure

  1. Sign in to the Azure Portal: Navigate to and log in with your Azure credentials.
  2. Create a Resource: Click on ‘Create a resource’ and select ‘Virtual Machine’ from the Compute category.
  3. Configure Basic Settings
    • Choose the subscription and resource group.
    • Enter a name for the VM and select the region where it will be deployed.
    • Choose the operating system (Windows/Linux) and select the appropriate image.
  4. Set VM Size: Select an appropriate VM size based on workload requirements.
  5. Authentication and Security
    • Choose the authentication type (password or SSH key for Linux VMs).
    • Configure inbound port rules to allow or deny access.
  6. Disks Configuration: Select the OS disk type (Standard HDD, Standard SSD, or Premium SSD) and add additional data disks if needed.
  7. Networking Configuration
    • Select the virtual network and subnet.
    • Assign a public IP address if external access is required.
    • Configure network security groups (NSG) to define traffic rules.
  8. Management, Monitoring & Tags
    • Enable monitoring features such as Azure Monitor and Log Analytics.
    • Assign relevant tags for better resource organization.
  9. Review and Create: Review the configuration settings and click ‘Create’ to deploy the VM.

Managing & Monitoring the VM

After creating the VM, managing and monitoring it is essential to ensure optimal performance and security. Key management tasks include:

  1. Start, Stop, and Restart: Manage VM power states from the Azure portal or via Azure CLI/PowerShell.
  2. Scaling the VM: Resize the VM as needed based on workload demands.
  3. Configuring Auto-Shutdown: Schedule automatic shutdown to reduce costs.
  4. Updating and Patching: Regularly update OS and applications to prevent security vulnerabilities.
  5. Backup and Disaster Recovery: Configure Azure Backup and Recovery Vault to protect data.
  6. Monitoring and Alerts
    • Use Azure Monitor to track VM performance and health.
    • Set up alerts for CPU usage, memory, and network traffic.
    • Enable diagnostic logging for deeper insights into system behavior.

Exam Focus: AZ-104 Actual Questions on VM Creation

Candidates preparing for the AZ-104 exam should focus on topics related to VM creation and management. Some common exam questions include:

  1. Creating and Configuring VMs
    • How to deploy a VM using the Azure Portal, CLI, and PowerShell.
    • Selecting the appropriate VM size based on workload.
  2. Managing VM Disks
    • Configuring OS and data disks.
    • Attaching and detaching disks.
  3. Networking Configuration
    • Setting up virtual networks and network security groups.
    • Assigning static and dynamic IP addresses.
  4. Access and Authentication
    • Setting up SSH for Linux VMs and RDP for Windows VMs.
    • Implementing Azure Active Directory (AAD) integration.
  5. Monitoring and Troubleshooting
    • Configuring diagnostic settings.
    • Resolving connectivity and performance issues.

Conclusion

The Microsoft AZ-104 exam is a crucial certification for Azure administrators, and understanding Virtual Machines (VMs) is a key component of the exam. Mastering the creation, configuration, and management of Azure VMs ensures that professionals can efficiently deploy and maintain cloud-based infrastructure. By studying real exam questions and following best practices, candidates can enhance their knowledge and increase their chances of passing the AZ-104 exam. DumpsBoss provides valuable study resources, including practice questions and exam dumps, to help candidates prepare effectively for this certification.

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Sample Questions for Microsoft AZ-104 Dumps

Actual exam question from Microsoft AZ-104 Exam.

What is the first step to create a Virtual Machine (VM) in Microsoft Azure?

A. Select a virtual network

B. Choose an Azure region

C. Go to the Azure Portal and click on "Create a resource"

D. Configure inbound security rules