The Integrated AZ-900: Microsoft Azure Fundamentals Study Guide [65 Minute Read]

A First-Principles Approach to Cloud Concepts and Azure Services

Welcome to the MindMesh Academy AZ-900 Study Guide. This resource is designed to empower you to master the foundational knowledge of cloud computing and Microsoft Azure. Whether you are new to the cloud or seeking to formalize your understanding, you are in the right place to build a deep, practical foundation.

At MindMesh Academy, our approach is rooted in the spirit of Shokunin Kishitsu—the craftsman's dedication to excellence, precision, and continuous improvement. This guide is crafted not just to help you pass the exam, but to cultivate a true understanding of cloud principles.

We build every section from First Principles: breaking down complex concepts to their core 'why' and 'what', then reconstructing them with clarity and practical relevance. This ensures you gain not just surface knowledge, but a robust, adaptable foundation.

Our Japanese-inspired philosophy shapes your learning experience:

• Shibumi: Pursue elegant simplicity in every explanation.
• Kata: Practice through structured, purposeful repetition.
• Kaizen: Embrace continuous, incremental improvement.
• Seiri & Seiton: Organize knowledge for clarity and rapid recall.

As you progress, expect a journey that is challenging yet rewarding. Each phase is intentionally structured to build mastery step by step. Engage actively, reflect on your progress, and apply what you learn to real-world scenarios.

Let’s begin your journey into Azure—one principle, one practice, one insight at a time.

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(Table of Contents - For Reference)

• Phase 1: Foundational Cloud Concepts

  • 1.1. Domain Overview: Describing Cloud Concepts
  • 1.2. Cloud Computing: Core Characteristics and Benefits
  • 1.3. Cloud Service Models: IaaS, PaaS, SaaS
  • 1.4. Cloud Deployment Models: Public, Private, Hybrid
  • 1.5. Reflection Checkpoint: Cloud Fundamentals

• Phase 2: Core Azure Architecture and Services

  • 2.1. Domain Overview: Describing Azure Architecture and Services
  • 2.2. Core Architectural Components
    • 2.2.1. 💡 First Principle: Regions, Availability Zones, and Region Pairs
    • 2.2.2. 💡 First Principle: Subscriptions and Management Groups
    • 2.2.3. 💡 First Principle: Resource Groups and Azure Resource Manager (ARM)
  • 2.3. Core Azure Compute and Networking Services
    • 2.3.1. 💡 First Principle: Azure Virtual Machines (VMs)
    • 2.3.2. 💡 First Principle: Azure App Service
    • 2.3.3. 💡 First Principle: Azure Container Instances (ACI) and Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS)
    • 2.3.4. 💡 First Principle: Azure Functions
    • 2.3.5. 💡 First Principle: Azure Virtual Desktop
    • 2.3.6. 💡 First Principle: Azure Virtual Network (VNet)
    • 2.3.7. 💡 First Principle: Azure VPN Gateway and ExpressRoute
  • 2.4. Core Azure Storage Services
    • 2.4.1. 💡 First Principle: Azure Blob Storage
    • 2.4.2. 💡 First Principle: Azure Disk Storage
    • 2.4.3. 💡 First Principle: Azure Files
  • 2.5. Core Azure Identity, Access, and Security Services
    • 2.5.1. 💡 First Principle: Microsoft Entra ID (formerly Azure AD)
    • 2.5.2. 💡 First Principle: Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
    • 2.5.3. 💡 First Principle: Microsoft Defender for Cloud
  • 2.6. Reflection Checkpoint: Core Services Mastery

• Phase 3: Azure Management and Governance

  • 3.1. Domain Overview: Describing Azure Management and Governance
  • 3.2. Cost Management
    • 3.2.1. 💡 First Principle: Factors Affecting Azure Costs
    • 3.2.2. 💡 First Principle: Azure Pricing and TCO Calculators
    • 3.2.3. 💡 First Principle: Azure Cost Management + Billing
  • 3.3. Governance and Compliance
    • 3.3.1. 💡 First Principle: Azure Policy
    • 3.3.2. 💡 First Principle: Resource Locks
    • 3.3.3. 💡 First Principle: Tags
    • 3.3.4. 💡 First Principle: Microsoft Purview
    • 3.3.5. 💡 First Principle: Azure Blueprints
  • 3.4. Management and Deployment Tools
    • 3.4.1. 💡 First Principle: Azure Portal, Cloud Shell, CLI, and PowerShell
    • 3.4.2. 💡 First Principle: Azure Arc
    • 3.4.3. 💡 First Principle: Infrastructure as Code (IaC) and ARM Templates
  • 3.5. Monitoring Tools
    • 3.5.1. 💡 First Principle: Azure Advisor
    • 3.5.2. 💡 First Principle: Azure Service Health
    • 3.5.3. 💡 First Principle: Azure Monitor
  • 3.6. Reflection Checkpoint: Management and Governance

• Phase 4: Exam Readiness & Mastery

  • 4.1. Exam Readiness & Mastery Overview
  • 4.2. Core Takeaways for Exam Success
  • 4.3. Next Steps in Your Azure Journey
  • 4.4. Final Encouragement

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