Lab: Exploring Cloud Computing with Azure Virtual Machines

This lab provides a hands-on introduction to the core concepts of cloud computing as defined in the AZ-900 curriculum. By deploying a Virtual Machine (VM), you will experience on-demand self-service, the consumption-based model, and the Shared Responsibility Model in action.

[!WARNING] Remember to run the teardown commands at the end to avoid ongoing charges against your Azure credit.

Prerequisites

An active Azure Subscription (Free Trial, Student, or Pay-As-You-Go).
A modern web browser.
(Optional) Azure CLI installed locally, though you can use the Azure Cloud Shell in the browser.
Basic understanding of what a server is.

Learning Objectives

Provision a cloud resource using the Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) model.
Verify the characteristics of cloud computing: on-demand provisioning and resource pooling.
Identify which parts of the deployed infrastructure fall under your responsibility vs. Microsoft's.

Architecture Overview

This lab involves deploying a single virtual machine within a logical container called a Resource Group. The following diagram illustrates the components being created:

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Create a Resource Group

A Resource Group is a logical container for Azure resources. This is the first step in organizing your cloud footprint.

CLI Method:

bash

az group create --name brainybee-lab-rg --location eastus

▶Console alternative

Search for Resource groups in the top search bar.
Click + Create.
Subscription: Select your active subscription.
Resource group: brainybee-lab-rg.
Region: (US) East US.
Click Review + create, then Create.

Step 2: Deploy a Linux Virtual Machine

We will deploy a small Ubuntu VM. This demonstrates Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS).

CLI Method:

bash

az vm create \
  --resource-group brainybee-lab-rg \
  --name lab-vm \
  --image Ubuntu2204 \
  --admin-username azureuser \
  --generate-ssh-keys \
  --size Standard_B1s

[!TIP] The Standard_B1s size is eligible for the Azure Free Tier in many regions.

▶Console alternative

Search for Virtual machines.
Click Create > Azure virtual machine.
Resource Group: Select brainybee-lab-rg.
VM Name: lab-vm.
Image: Ubuntu Server 22.04 LTS.
Size: Standard_B1s.
Authentication type: SSH public key.
Username: azureuser.
Click Review + create, then Create. (Download the private key if prompted).

Step 3: Observe Cloud Characteristics

While the VM is deploying, note the speed. In a traditional on-premises environment, acquiring a server would take weeks. Here, it takes under 2 minutes. This is Agility.

Checkpoints

Checkpoint	Action	Expected Result
Deployment Status	Check the "Notifications" (bell icon) in the portal.	Status should be "Deployment succeeded".
Resource Check	Run `az resource list -g brainybee-lab-rg --output table`.	You should see 6+ resources (VM, Disk, Network Interface, etc.).
Connectivity	Try to ping the Public IP address (if ICMP is enabled).	The IP address is assigned and reachable via the internet.

Concept Review: Shared Responsibility

Now that the VM is running, consider the responsibility boundaries:

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Microsoft's Job: Ensuring the physical hardware in East US doesn't fail and the power stays on.
Your Job: Patching the Ubuntu OS and securing the azureuser account.

Troubleshooting

Error	Cause	Fix
`QuotaExceeded`	Your subscription has a limit on the number of CPU cores.	Change the Size to a smaller one (e.g., B1ls) or change regions.
`AuthorizationFailed`	You don't have permission to create resources.	Ensure you are using a Subscription where you have 'Owner' or 'Contributor' roles.
`SshKeyGenError`	(CLI) Issue generating local keys.	Use the Azure Portal method which manages keys for you.

Clean-Up / Teardown

To avoid costs, delete the entire resource group. This removes the VM, the disk, and the network settings simultaneously.

CLI Method:

bash

az group delete --name brainybee-lab-rg --yes --no-wait

[!IMPORTANT] Deleting a Resource Group is irreversible. Ensure you have no other important data in brainybee-lab-rg before running this.

Cost Estimate

Standard_B1s VM: ~$0.01 per hour.
Storage (P6 Disk): ~$5.00 per month (pro-rated to minutes).
Total for 15-min Lab: Less than $0.05 (Free if using Azure Free Trial credits).