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Create a Linux Virtual Machine in Azure

Introduction

Microsoft Azure is a popular cloud platform that offers a wide range of services, including the ability to create and manage virtual machines (VMs). In this guide, we will walk you through the process of creating a Linux virtual machine in Azure, providing you with a flexible and scalable environment for testing, development, or production purposes.

Why Choose Azure for Linux Virtual Machines?

Azure allows you to deploy Linux VMs with just a few clicks, enabling you to:

  • Scale on demand: Easily scale up or down based on your needs.
  • Save on infrastructure: Only pay for the resources you use.
  • Secure and reliable: Azure’s built-in security and uptime guarantees.
  • Flexible OS choice: Choose from a wide variety of Linux distributions like Ubuntu, CentOS, RedHat, and more.

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Prerequisites

Before creating a Linux VM on Azure, make sure you have:

  1. An active Azure account. If you don’t have one, you can sign up for a free Azure account.
  2. Basic knowledge of Azure Portal navigation.
  3. A preferred Linux distribution image for the VM (e.g., Ubuntu, CentOS, Debian).

Step-by-Step Guide to Create a Linux Virtual Machine on Azure

Step 1: Log into Azure Portal

  1. Open your browser and go to the Azure Portal.
  2. Sign in with your Microsoft account.

Step 2: Create a New Virtual Machine

  1. In the Azure Portal, search for "Virtual Machines" in the search bar at the top.
  2. Click on Virtual Machines in the results.
  3. Select + Add at the top of the Virtual Machines page to start creating a new VM.

Step 3: Configure Basic VM Settings

  1. Subscription: Select the Azure subscription you want to use.
  2. Resource Group: Choose an existing resource group or create a new one for your VM. A resource group is a container that holds related Azure resources.
  3. VM Name: Enter a name for your virtual machine.
  4. Region: Select the Azure region where you want your VM to be deployed.
  5. Image: Under the Image section, select a Linux distribution. For example, choose Ubuntu or CentOS from the available options.
  6. Size: Select the VM size (CPU, RAM) based on your needs. Azure will show available sizes, and you can pick one that fits your workload. For testing, a smaller VM size like Standard B1s should work fine.
  7. Authentication Type: Choose between SSH public key or Password for VM authentication. For better security, SSH is recommended.
    • If you choose SSH, you’ll need to upload your SSH public key or generate a new one.
    • If you choose Password, set a username and password for your VM.

Step 4: Configure Networking

  1. Virtual Network: If you have an existing virtual network, select it. Otherwise, you can create a new one. The virtual network will allow your VM to communicate with other resources within Azure.
  2. Subnet: Select an existing subnet or create a new one.
  3. Public IP: Choose whether you want to assign a public IP to your VM. If you want to access your Linux VM from outside Azure, you’ll need a public IP.
  4. Network Security Group (NSG): This acts as a firewall for your VM. You can either create a new NSG or use an existing one. Make sure to allow SSH (port 22) for Linux VMs.

Step 5: Configure Management, Monitoring, and Backup

  1. Monitoring: You can enable Boot diagnostics, which helps you troubleshoot boot issues, and Guest OS diagnostics, which provides insights into your VM’s health.
  2. Backup: If you want to back up your VM, you can enable the Azure Backup option.

Step 6: Review and Create

  1. Review all your configurations. If everything looks good, click on Create. Azure will now begin provisioning your Linux VM.
  2. The deployment process will take a few minutes. Once complete, you’ll be notified that the VM has been successfully created.

Step 7: Connect to Your Linux Virtual Machine

  1. After your VM is deployed, navigate to the Virtual Machines section in the Azure Portal.
  2. Select your newly created VM and click on Connect.
  3. If you selected SSH authentication, follow the instructions to connect using your SSH client. For instance, if you’re using Ubuntu, you can connect via:
ssh username@your-vm-ip-address
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If you selected password-based authentication, you’ll need to use the password you set earlier.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You’ve successfully created a Linux Virtual Machine on Azure. You can now begin using it for various tasks, such as web hosting, software development, or learning Linux. Azure’s flexibility and scalability ensure that you can modify your VM as needed, making it a great choice for cloud-based development and operations.

Feel free to explore further features like scaling your VM, managing storage, or automating tasks with Azure’s extensive tools and services.

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