Creating Azure Virtual Machines, their Advantages and Disadvantages

Introduction

Azure Virtual Machines (VMs) are a fundamental component of Microsoft Azure, providing a scalable and flexible infrastructure for running various workloads in the cloud. Whether you need to deploy Windows or Linux-based applications, Azure VMs offer the versatility and power to meet your computing needs. In this guide, we'll walk through the process of creating Azure Virtual Machines, explore why they are beneficial, and discuss both their advantages and disadvantages.

"In my previous articles, I offered a comprehensive guide on creating Azure Resource Groups and

Creating Azure Virtual Networks, delving into their advantages, and addressing potential challenges. For a detailed foundation, please refer to my earlier work titled

1. Creating Azure Resource Groups, Advantages and Disadvantages
2. Creating Azure Virtual Networks, Advantages and Disadvantages

Now, let's seamlessly continue from where we left off.

Why Use Azure Virtual Machines?

• Scalability: Azure VMs allow you to scale resources up or down based on demand. This elasticity ensures that you only use the computing power you need, optimizing costs.
• Flexibility: Azure supports a diverse range of operating systems, providing flexibility for deploying and running various workloads. Whether you need Windows, Linux, or other OS options, Azure has you covered.
• Cost-Efficiency: With Azure VMs, you pay for the resources you use. The platform offers cost management tools to monitor and optimize spending, making it a cost-efficient solution for your computing needs.
• Integration: Azure VMs seamlessly integrate with other Azure services. This integration allows you to create a comprehensive cloud infrastructure, combining VMs with databases, storage, networking, and more.
• Global Reach: Azure's extensive global network of data centers enables you to deploy VMs in regions closest to your users. This global presence ensures better performance, compliance, and accessibility for your applications.

Advantages of Azure virtual machines

• Elasticity: Azure VMs provide elasticity, allowing you to scale resources dynamically. This ensures optimal performance during peak times and cost savings during periods of lower demand.
• Diverse Operating System Support: Azure supports a wide range of operating systems, including various versions of Windows, popular Linux distributions, and specialized OS options. This flexibility caters to diverse application requirements.
• Integrated Services: Azure VMs can be seamlessly integrated with other Azure services, such as Azure SQL Database, Azure Blob Storage, and Azure Virtual Network. This integration simplifies the development and management of complex cloud solutions.
• Global Presence: Leveraging Azure's global network of data centers, you can deploy VMs close to end-users, reducing latency and enhancing the overall user experience.
• Security Features: Azure provides a robust set of security features, including identity management, encryption, and threat detection. The platform complies with industry standards and certifications, ensuring the security and compliance of your applications.

Disadvantages of Azure virtual machines

• Learning Curve: Setting up and managing Azure VMs may have a learning curve, especially for users new to cloud computing. However, Microsoft offers extensive documentation and resources to facilitate the onboarding process.
• Cost Management: Without proper monitoring and management, costs associated with Azure VMs can escalate. It's crucial to implement cost management practices and leverage Azure's tools for optimizing spending.
• Complexity: As your infrastructure grows, managing and configuring a multitude of VMs can become complex. Implementing effective management practices, such as automation and monitoring, can help mitigate this complexity.
• Dependency on the Internet: Some Azure services may require a reliable Internet connection. Applications heavily dependent on internet connectivity may face challenges in scenarios with limited or no internet access.
• Potential Downtime: While Azure strives for high availability, there is always a risk of downtime. It's essential to design your architecture with redundancy and fault tolerance to minimize the impact of potential outages.

Creating Azure virtual machines step-by-step

Sign in to the Azure portal

Begin by navigating to the Microsoft Azure portal and signing in with your Azure account Log in to the Azure Portal. Enter your Username and Password and log in to your portal.

Step 1. Azure Dashboard

Picture 1. After login, you can see the Azure dashboard.

Step 2. Click on the Create a Resource button.

Picture 2. Click on the Create a Resource button, and you can see the image it’s highlighted.

Step 3. Create a resource

Will search for the key ‘Virtual machine‘ in the search box.

Picture 3. You can click on the “Virtual machine” application to see the image it’s highlighted.

Create a virtual machine

Fill in the Basic Details.

Step 4. Project details

1. Select the subscription.
2. If you already created the resource groups you can select the resource group, otherwise we will create a new resource group. In this scenario, I’m going to show create a new resource group

Note. Going to refer to my previous articles

1. How to create a resource group and
2. How to create a Virtual Network Now, let's seamlessly continue from where we left off.

The application has several tabs Basics, Disks, Networking, Management, Monitoring, Advanced, Tags, Review + Create You can see the highlight on the border.

In this session, I’m going to cover Basics and networking tabs.

Picture 4. In this image, I'm going to create a new resource group and Click on the OK button.

Step 5. Instance details.

1. Give your virtual machine name, and I will create “Csharp-Corner-VM” for demo purposes, VM mentioned is the virtual machine
2. You can select your Region. There are several regions, but I'm using (US) the East US region.
3. You can select the zone option.
4. You can select the Security type in my demo I will select the “standard” security type.
5. You can select your operating system’s version, I will select the data center for demo purposes and customize your size.

Picture 5. You can manage deployed resources and costs.

Step 6. VM Administrator account details.

Picture 06. Create your virtual machine Administrator account. Give your user’s name and password.

Step 07. Inbound port rules.

Picture 7. Select which virtual machine network ports are accessible from the public internet. Select your inbound ports(HTTP(80) and HTTPS(443)).RDP(3389) It's only for testing purposes.

You can see this image 01 and 02 buttons

1. When you complete the basic information you can Review and create the virtual machine.
2. In the advanced setting, you can click on the next button and fill the application from the Basics, Disks, Networking, Management, Monitoring, Advanced, Tags, Review + Create.

In this session, I’m going to cover Basics and networking

Step 8. Networking

Click on the networking tab

1. Virtual Network: If already created the resource group with Virtual Network you can select it here If not create a new one.
2. NIC network security group: Here I’m selecting basic for demo purposes.

Picture 8. When creating a virtual machine with a network interface for you.

Step 9. Create a virtual machine.

Click on the Review + Create button.

Picture 9. When Selecting inbound port RDP(3389) it gives a warning message “This is only recommended for testing”.

Step 10. Go to Review + Create.

Picture 10. You can see your subscription credits.

Step 11. Create

You can see entered the data.

Picture 11. Click on the Create button.

Picture 12. Click on the “Go to resource” button.

Step 12. After the click on the “Go to resource” button. You can see your VM page and click on the “Connect” button.

Picture 13. Click on the “Connect” button.

Step 13. Download the RDP File.

Picture 14. You can see your public IP. and Download the RDP File. Click on the download file.

Step 14. Connect the RDP.

Picture 15. Click on the “Connect” button.

Step 15. Give your Azure VM’s password and username.

Picture 16. Enter your VM username and password and click on the “OK” button.

Step 16. Verification check.

Picture 17. Click on the “YES” button.

Step 17. Successfully created the Csharp-Corner-VM.

Picture 18. Csharp-Corner-VM Remote Desktop Connected.

Conclusion

Azure Virtual Machines are a powerful solution for deploying and managing applications in the cloud. Their scalability, flexibility, and integration with other Azure services make them a valuable asset for businesses of all sizes. However, understanding the platform's nuances, implementing cost management strategies, and designing for reliability are crucial steps in maximizing the benefits of Azure VMs. By carefully evaluating your specific use case and workload requirements, you can harness the full potential of Azure Virtual Machines to propel your organization into the future of cloud computing.