Azure compute and networking services
📘Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900)
Absolutely! Let’s go through VM options in Azure for the AZ-900 exam in clear, simple language. I’ll break it down, explain each type, how it’s used, and what you need to know for the exam. I’ll focus on IT-related examples so it’s realistic but easy to understand.
Azure Virtual Machine (VM) Options – AZ-900 Exam
In Azure, Virtual Machines (VMs) are a core part of compute services. They let you run applications, host websites, or manage services just like a physical server—but entirely in the cloud. Azure gives several VM-related options for different needs.
We will cover:
- Azure Virtual Machines (VMs)
- Virtual Machine Scale Sets (VMSS)
- Availability Sets
- Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD)
1. Azure Virtual Machines (VMs)
Definition:
An Azure VM is a cloud-based computer that behaves like a physical computer but runs on Microsoft’s Azure data centers. You can install operating systems, software, and run apps on it.
Key points for AZ-900 exam:
- VMs are Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS).
- You control the OS, installed software, and network settings.
- Microsoft manages the physical hardware, networking, and storage infrastructure.
Use in IT environments:
- Hosting applications (like a database server or web server).
- Running internal business software.
- Testing and development environments.
Things to remember for the exam:
- You choose size and type of VM based on CPU, memory, and storage needs.
- You pay only for what you use, per hour or per second.
- VMs can be created in availability sets or scale sets for higher reliability.
2. Virtual Machine Scale Sets (VMSS)
Definition:
A VM scale set is a group of identical VMs that can automatically increase or decrease based on demand.
Key points for AZ-900 exam:
- Helps scale out applications when demand changes.
- Supports load balancing, distributing traffic across VMs.
- Ideal for large apps like websites, APIs, or services that need high availability.
- Part of IaaS.
Use in IT environments:
- A web application with unpredictable traffic: scale sets can add more VMs automatically during peak hours and remove them during low traffic.
- Ensures performance without manual intervention.
Things to remember for the exam:
- VMSS ensures automatic scaling and redundancy.
- Works well with Azure Load Balancer to distribute user requests.
- Can run hundreds of identical VMs at once.
3. Availability Sets
Definition:
An availability set is a way to group VMs to ensure high availability and reduce downtime if a failure occurs.
Key points for AZ-900 exam:
- VMs in an availability set are distributed across fault domains and update domains.
- Fault domains = physical hardware isolation (so one hardware failure doesn’t affect all VMs).
- Update domains = logical groups for maintenance (so not all VMs go down at once during updates).
Use in IT environments:
- Running critical applications (like a company email server or database) that must stay online.
- Prevents downtime during Azure maintenance or hardware failure.
Things to remember for the exam:
- Availability sets improve uptime but do not automatically scale.
- Minimum of 2 VMs required to use an availability set.
- Helps meet 99.95% SLA (Service Level Agreement) for VMs.
4. Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD)
Definition:
Azure Virtual Desktop lets you create virtual desktops in the cloud. Users can access a Windows desktop environment from anywhere.
Key points for AZ-900 exam:
- Provides desktop as a service.
- Runs on VMs in Azure, but users see a full desktop experience remotely.
- Ideal for remote work or temporary workforce scenarios.
- Reduces need for local hardware; everything runs in Azure.
Use in IT environments:
- Employees accessing corporate apps from home or multiple offices.
- Developers using a standardized virtual desktop to ensure consistency.
- Students or temporary workers using a secure environment with apps pre-installed.
Things to remember for the exam:
- Part of Desktop as a Service (DaaS).
- Users connect via web browser or remote desktop client.
- VMs behind AVD can also use scale sets to handle multiple users efficiently.
Exam Tips – VM Options Section
When answering AZ-900 questions about VMs, remember:
| Option | Type | Key Purpose | Exam Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Azure VM | IaaS | Individual VM for apps or testing | You manage OS/software, Microsoft manages hardware |
| VM Scale Set | IaaS | Automatically scale identical VMs | Supports auto-scaling and load balancing |
| Availability Set | IaaS | High availability for VMs | Use fault/update domains, improves uptime |
| Azure Virtual Desktop | DaaS | Virtual desktops in cloud | Remote desktop experience for users |
Key concepts to memorize:
- IaaS vs DaaS (VMs/scale sets vs AVD).
- High availability vs scalability (availability sets vs scale sets).
- Managed by Microsoft vs managed by you (hardware vs OS).
