Configure a Linux VM using Bash

Azure is a public cloud computing platform. Azure can be used for many purposes, such as analytics, virtual computing, and networking. In particular, Azure provides a powerful tool for hosting virtual machines (VMs). It is therefore prudent for modern IT workers to be comfortable working with Azure.

One key tool that is part of the Azure platform is the Azure bash command line interface (CLI). The Azure bash is an extension of the standard Linux bash and allows programmers a wide range of functionalities. In Azure, programmers can use bash to set subscriptions, create resource groups, and create VMs. Azure bash is particularly useful for quickly creating and launching Linux VMs. This hands-on lab will teach you how to create a Linux virtual machine with the Azure CLI.

Understand the scenario: You are an administrator for your company and require a Linux VM for your web application. You will build this VM using the Cloud shell using Bash.

Understand the environment: You are using an Azure resource group that has been configured. You will receive a notification when the automated configuration is complete.

Create a storage account and launch the bash shell:

The first step of this hands-on lab is to create a storage account on Azure and launch the bash shell. To do this, you will sign in to Azure using the given credentials and then launch and configure the Cloud Shell.

Create a Linux virtual machine:

The next step is to use bash to create a Linux VM. You will use the az vm create command in bash to create a Linux VM.

Verify the virtual machine in the portal:

This step will help familiarize with the Azure portal. You will:

• Use the Azure portal to navigate to your resource group.
• Verify that your VM is running
• Verify that your VM is running the Linux operating system.

Stop the VM using Cloud Shell:

For the final step, you will stop your VM using the az vm stop command in the cloud shell.

Summary:

In the “Configure a Linux Virtual Machine Using Bash” challenge, you learned how to use the Azure command-line interface (CLI) to deploy a Linux virtual machine (VM).

After completing this lab, you will have performed the following:

• Provisioned a Linux VM using bash.
• Verified your VM using the Azure portal and bash.
• Stopped your VM using bash.

In the modern IT environment, familiarity with the Azure platform will provide you with a competitive edge. Azure is quickly rising in popularity for many applications. Azure is ideal in many ways, as it lets companies move as much of their business to the cloud as their needs dictate. Azure lets its users add cloud capabilities to their existing network and/or move all of their capabilities to Microsoft data centers, in addition to hosting shared VMs.

This guided challenge lets you develop skills in using virtual machines with Azure and knowledge of state-of-the-art virtualization technologies. This lab is helpful to students in many career paths, such as Cyber Defense Forensics Analyst, Cyber Instructor, Law Enforcement / Counterintelligence Forensics Analyst, Security Control Assessor, and System Administrator work roles.

Other Challenges in this series

• GUIDED CHALLENGE - Configure a Route Table using the Azure Portal