4.1.1. Configure Virtual Machines (VMs)

💡 First Principle: Configuring an Azure Virtual Machine is a foundational act of balancing performance and cost by precisely aligning VM resources (size, storage, networking) with workload demands, while ensuring high availability and secure connectivity.

Scenario: You need to deploy a new Virtual Machine for a critical application. This VM requires specific CPU and memory, high-performance disk storage, and must be resilient to a datacenter outage. It also needs secure network access.

This task delves into the practical application of VM configuration. You'll explore how to:

• Configure VM Sizes: Select the appropriate VM series and size based on CPU, memory, and specialized needs.
• Configure VM Availability Options: Implement Availability Sets or Availability Zones to protect against planned and unplanned downtime.
• Configure VM Storage: Choose and attach managed disk types for optimal performance and durability.
• Configure VM Networking: Set up Network Interfaces (NICs), IP addresses, and Network Security Groups (NSGs) for secure and efficient communication.

Mastering these concepts is crucial for the AZ-104 exam, as it assesses your ability to implement and manage core VM infrastructure.

⚠️ Common Pitfall: Over-provisioning a VM with a much larger size than needed "just in case." This leads to significant and unnecessary costs.

Key Trade-Offs:

• Performance vs. Cost: Larger, more powerful VM sizes and premium storage provide better performance but at a higher cost. Right-sizing is key to finding the optimal balance.

Reflection Question: How do the choices made during VM configuration (size, availability, storage, networking) collectively impact the VM's overall performance, cost, availability, and security, and how does this alignment with workload demands ensure operational efficiency and resilience?