DEV Community: Ige Olanrewaju Ogunlade

Common Linux Commands

Ige Olanrewaju Ogunlade — Sat, 13 Jan 2024 19:54:58 +0000

In real life, deployment on service provider is not always the case. There is need to know common commands linux command for easy deployment on host machine. The list below show few that one should master.

1 Navigation:

cd: Change directory
pwd: Print working directory
ls: List directory contents
mkdir: Make a directory
rmdir: Remove an empty directory
cp: Copy files or directories
mv: Move or rename files or directories
rm: Remove files or directories
touch: Create an empty file
2. File Operations:

cat: Concatenate and display the content of files
more or less: Display contents of a file one screen at a time
head: Display the first few lines of a file
tail: Display the last few lines of a file
nano or vim or emacs: Text editors
3. File Permissions:

chmod: Change file permissions
chown: Change file owner
chgrp: Change file group
Searching and Finding:

grep: Search for patterns in files
find: Search for files and directories
locate: Find the location of files
which: Show the full path of a command
4. Networking:

ping: Check network connectivity
ifconfig or ip: Display network configuration
netstat: Display network connections and routing tables
ssh: Connect to a remote server
scp: Copy files securely between servers
5. System Information:

uname: Display system information
df: Display disk space usage
free: Display memory usage
top or htop: Display system processes
6. Package Management:

apt or apt-get: Package management tool for Debian/Ubuntu
yum or dnf: Package management tool for Red Hat/Fedora
7. Process Management:

ps: Display information about running processes
kill: Terminate a process
killall: Terminate a process by name
8. Compression and Archives:

tar: Create or extract tar archives
gzip or gunzip: Compress or decompress files using gzip
zip or unzip: Create or extract zip archives
9. Others:

echo: Print text to the terminal
date: Display the current date and time
history: Display command history
man: Display the manual page for a command
alias: Create command aliases
chmod: Change file permissions

Deploy an EC2 Instance in AWS, connect to it and install nginx

Ige Olanrewaju Ogunlade — Sat, 13 Jan 2024 19:46:19 +0000

Introduction:

Amazon EC2, part of AWS, is a versatile cloud service offering resizable compute capacity. It enable users to launch virtual servers, or instances that is tailored to specific needs by choosing from various instance types, operating systems, and networking configurations. It enables users to scale resources dynamically in a cost economic effective way. It has features like Auto Scaling and Elastic Load Balancing to enhance performance and availability. This service simplifies infrastructure management, empowering technical users to focus on developing scalable and reliable applications in the cloud.

We will explore easy to deploy EC2 in AWS, we will connect into it and also install nginx (an open-source web server)

1. Log in to you account

If you don't have, you can create free account

2. Choose the region you want to deploy the machine
On the AWS console homepage, choose a location from the drop down as shown in the diagram below:

Search for the machine EC2 on the aws web browser

4. Click EC2 and launch instance

5. Choose a name for the machine and also select the OS(image)
The preferred name: IgeEC2
Operating system: Ubuntu

The image selected is Canonical, Ubuntu, 22.04 LTS, amd64.

6. Selection of Instance Type
In AWS, an Instance Type refers to a predefined combination of virtual hardware, including CPU, memory, storage, and networking capacity, used for deploying EC2 instances. Users can choose an instance type that best suits their application's requirements, with options ranging from compute-optimized for processing power to memory-optimized for applications demanding more RAM.

7. Create Key pair (login)
This key pair will be needed for ssh connection.

8. Create Network Settings

9. Launch the instance

The deployment is running

We need to connect to the EC2 Note that we have key pair to connect already we will ssh into the EC2

12. Powershell into the EC2 from the host
This will enable installation of web browser nginx.

How to use the Azure QuickStart Gallery to deploy a Template that creates a Virtual Machine

Ige Olanrewaju Ogunlade — Sat, 16 Dec 2023 13:53:05 +0000

Step 1
Search for Custom Template on Azure web browser and select Deploy custom template:

Step 2
On the Custom Deployment pane, click on create Linux Virtual Machine

Step 3
Fill in the project and instance details, click on review + create

Step 4
This is the result of review and create:

Step 5
Deployment is in progress, allow to be completed

The Deployment is complete, hence we are able to deploy Linux VM within few seconds.

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How to create a Function app with a Webhook to provide a Hello message with your name

Ige Olanrewaju Ogunlade — Sat, 16 Dec 2023 05:41:04 +0000

Introduction
Azure Function App is a serverless computing service provided by Microsoft Azure that enables developers to build and deploy event-driven, scalable, and cost-effective applications without the need to manage infrastructure.
Imagine Azure Function App as a toolbox filled with different tools that perform specific tasks automatically based on certain triggers. It's like having a set of tools that work independently and efficiently without needing your constant supervision.

Here is a simple steps to create one

Step 1

On Azure web browser, search for Function App and click on it.

Step 2

On the create pane, we have the project details and the instance details. Select the default setting for project details on subscription and also existing resource group

Review and create:

Step 3
Allow the deployment to complete:

Step 4
It is time to create the function:

Use HTTP Trigger template, fill in the details and click on create

Step 5
On the trigger function created, check on the left, click on code + test:

Step 6
Paste the copied URL into your browser's address bar. Add the query string ?name= to the end of the URL and press enter to make the request. If you selected function as the authorization level, append the string &&name= at the end of the URL in the browser's address bar. The result will show your name on the screen. As shown below:

Step 7
Whenever the trigger function runs, it will be logged, as depicted in the image below.

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Creating an IOT Hub on Azure Portal and Authenticate using Raspberry Pi

Ige Olanrewaju Ogunlade — Sat, 16 Dec 2023 04:34:10 +0000

Introduction

The Azure Internet of Things (IoT) is a collection of Microsoft-managed cloud services, edge components, and SDKs that allow connection, monitoring, and controlling IoT assets at scale. Simply put, an IoT solution is made up of IoT devices that communicate with cloud services.
Azure IoT has a wide range of practical applications and use cases across various industries due to its ability to connect, manage, and analyze data from diverse IoT devices.
These practical applications demonstrate how Azure IoT can be employed across diverse industries to gather, manage, and derive insights from IoT data, leading to improved operational efficiency, cost savings, better decision-making, and enhanced customer experiences.

How can one create IoT Hub through Azure portal? This write up shows how this can be done in a step-by-step format.

Step 1
Log into you azure portal account https://portal.azure.com/#home and if you have none, create one for purpose of learning

Step 2
Search the web browser for IoT

Click on create:

Step 3

As can be seen, the IoT hub consists of tabs ranging from Basics to Review + Create.
On the Basics, we have project details and instance details.
The project details is made up of Subscription and resource group.
On the Basics Tab, the first item is the Project Details and Instance details. The project details contains the Subscriptions and the Resource group.
The Subscription allows you to determine which subscription will be billed for the resources consumed by the IoT device.
While Resource Group allows you to organize and manage the IoT device along with other related resources under a common grouping for administrative, billing, and lifecycle management purposes.

Below is the selection based on the preferred requirements for the device:

Then click on review + create

Wait for the deployment to be completed:

Step 4
The deployment is completed now, click on go to resource

The IoT Hub Usage should be noted at this stage so as to compare later.
Messages used today 0
Daily messages quota 400000
IoT Devices 0

Step 5
We want to deploy a new device in the Azure IoT Hub. To achieve this, we need to go back to the Microsoft Azure portal and search for the IoT we just created, click on it:

When you are on IoT pane, look for device management, click on device, and next click on + Add Device:

Step 6
On the Create device tab, create the ID for the device to be added and Save:

Step 7
Click on the created device,

Step 8
Go to the https://azure-samples.github.io/raspberry-pi-web-simulator/ web page, replace the string on line 15 with the one we copied in step 7.

Step 9

This is the end. The fact that it detects a device shows our deployment works.
Please read and comment.

How to create azure storage account and upload image into it

Ige Olanrewaju Ogunlade — Fri, 15 Dec 2023 23:54:55 +0000

Introduction
That container that group all azure storage services together is termed azure storage account. It is one of the foundational services provided by Microsoft Azure, that offers a highly scalable and secure platform to store a wide variety of data types in the cloud. It serves as a centralized repository for many data storage needs and is composed of many storage services such as:

Blob Storage: Ideal for storing massive amounts of unstructured data like text, images, videos, and other binary data. Blob Storage supports three access tiers (Hot(data that is used regularly), Cool(used within 30days period), and Archive(used 180days) to cater to different data access patterns and cost requirements.
File Storage: Provides fully managed file shares in the cloud, enabling traditional file storage scenarios. Azure Files allows the use of Server Message Block (SMB) protocol for accessing shared files across multiple machines.
Queue Storage: Offers a message queueing system that allows communication between different components of an application or system. Azure Queue Storage facilitates asynchronous communication and decouples components for better scalability and reliability.
Table Storage: A NoSQL key-value store suitable for semi-structured data. It allows for fast querying of large datasets and is an excellent choice for applications that require flexible schema and massive scalability.
Disk Storage: Azure Disk Storage provides block storage to support the persistent storage needs of Azure Virtual Machines (VMs). It includes both managed and unmanaged disks and offers various disk types optimized for different workloads

The storage account can be accessible anywhere in the world over HTTP or HTTPS.

Guide to create Storage Account through Azure portal
There are various ways to create Azure storage account i.e. Azure portal, Azure CLI (Command-line interface), Azure PowerShell and
Management client libraries. However, we are focusing on the first.

Step 1

Sign in to Azure Portal: Access the Azure Portal using your credentials at https://portal.azure.com/. If you don't have one, create a free account.

Step 2
On Window web browser, search for storage account:

Step 3
On the Basics Tab, the first item is the Project Details and Instance details. The project details contains the Subscriptions and the Resource group.
The Subscription allows you to determine which subscription will be billed for the resources consumed by the storage account.
While Resource Group allows you to organize and manage the storage account along with other related resources under a common grouping for administrative, billing, and lifecycle management purposes.

The Instance details contains information such as Storage account name, Region, Performance and Redundancy.

Storage Account Name: This is a unique name that identifies your Azure Storage Account. It must be a globally unique name across Azure.

Region: Also known as the Azure Region or Location, this is the geographical region where your storage account's data will be stored. optimal performance or based on compliance requirements.

Performance: Azure Storage Accounts offer different performance tiers based on your workload requirements. These tiers may include Standard and Premium options, each providing different performance characteristics and pricing. e.g.
Standard: This tier offers reliable, high-performance storage designed to provide cost-effective solutions for various storage scenarios. It includes options for Blob storage, File storage, Queue storage, and Table storage. It is used when there is need to save money.

Premium: This tier offers high-performance, low-latency storage(low data traveling period) suitable for I/O-intensive workloads. It's often used for scenarios requiring high transaction rates and low latency, such as virtual machine disks.

Redundancy: Redundancy options determine how your data is replicated within Azure Storage to ensure high availability and data durability. Azure provides several redundancy options:

Locally Redundant Storage (LRS): Copies data synchronously within a single storage scale unit in a data center. It provides redundancy against hardware failures.

Zone-Redundant Storage (ZRS): Replicates data across multiple availability zones within a region, offering higher durability against data center outages.

Geo-Redundant Storage (GRS): Replicates data to a secondary region at least hundreds of miles away from the primary location, providing data residency and high durability against regional outages. This is the most reliable and expensive.

Step 4

On the Advanced Tab:
Note: If the storage account you want to create is for your enterprise/private account, do not click or activate the Allow enabling anonymous access on individual containers

Leave every other tabs and click on review and create. Note: The deployment must be allowed to complete.

The storage account is now created:

Now, let us take a critical look at the Data Storage types here:
Containers: This is used to store all Blob. For us to store any data here, we need to create the container where it will be uploaded. The container acts like a bow inside which our data will stay.
So, click on this to create one:

Then click on + Containers:

You can see that the drop down is not activated because our storage account is local not for public. If we upload any data into this container, we will be unable to share it with the public.

Step 5

How do we upload into the container?

Click on the name of container created and 2. Click upload:

The data name storage logo has been loaded into the container.

Now, we need to test if this can be shared with the public:
Click on the data(storage logo)

Below is the error message:

Step 6
We will create another account and make it public and see the effect

On Basics Tab:

On Advanced Tab:

Next, leave other tabs and go to review and create:

Now we can modify to select image e.g Blob and this can be shared to the public:

Next, click on the container and upload same picture to see the outcome:

Conclusion
From the foregoing, we can see that it is easy to create Azure storage for our data. It is more easier to create container to keep the data. We can equally make the data available to the public and enterprise depending on our needs.
Your comment(s) is needed for improvement.

How to Create a Data Disk on a Windows VM, initialize it usable on Azure Portal

Ige Olanrewaju Ogunlade — Sat, 09 Dec 2023 18:07:43 +0000

Introduction to Azure Data Disks

Azure Data Disks play a crucial role in the world of cloud computing, especially within the Microsoft Azure ecosystem. These disks serve as durable storage solutions for virtual machines (VMs) running on the Azure platform, enabling users to persistently store data, applications, and operating system files.
This article aims at creating azure data disk and initializing it.

***Step 1:*
Signing in to the Azure portal**
Go to the Azure portal at https://portal.azure.com in a web browser.
Log in to the portal with your User ID and password.

Step 2:
Search for Virtual Machine on the azure web browser and click on the virtual machine as shown below:

This will give access to the existing machines created. Since we have one created, there may be no need to create another one, you can just add the disk to the existing one otherwise, a new virtual machine can be created and while doing this, a disk is equally created or added.

Step 3:
To add the data disk, click on the machine you want to add it to; navigate on the machine pane to locate data disk, here, we are adding disk to IgeLinuxVm2:

Step 4:
To create the disk, click on create and attach a new disk

Step 5:
Click "Apply" to generate the fresh data disk.

The disk has been created:

Step 6:
The first thing to be done on installation of a new disk is to get it ready for use, i.e format:
So connect next to the LinuxVm2:

How to create a Windows server on Azure Portal and install web server

Ige Olanrewaju Ogunlade — Sat, 02 Dec 2023 19:57:26 +0000

Introduction

Windows Server is a powerful operating system designed by Microsoft specifically for server-based operations. It provides a range of features and functionalities to support various enterprise-level tasks, services, and applications.
It is widely used as the backbone for enterprise IT infrastructures, supporting various tasks like file sharing, user authentication, domain management, and network services.
It serves as a platform for hosting and managing various applications and services, providing a secure and scalable environment.
It is used to create and manage domains, users, group policies, and permissions in an organization's network.
Windows Server can act as a web server hosting ASP.NET applications or other web-based services.

A web server is a software or hardware system that stores, processes, and delivers web content to users over the internet or an intranet. It handles HTTP requests from clients (such as web browsers) and serves web pages, applications, or files in response.

Both play crucial roles in providing a robust infrastructure and services for businesses and individuals looking to establish an online presence, host applications, manage data, and facilitate secure communications over the internet or within organizational networks.

How can one create one on Azure Portal?
This article shows stepwise creation of Window server and also install Web browser into it.

Step 1:
Signing in to the Azure portal
Go to the Azure portal at https://portal.azure.com in a web browser.
Enter your Azure account email address.
Type in your password and log in. If you don't have account, create one.

Step 2:
To create a Virtual machine, Search for virtual machines on the web browser.

Step 3:
We have now come to the display where we work with the following taps:
Basics, Disks, Networking, Management, Monitoring, Advanced, Tags, Review + create

First, we work on the Basics
a. Project Details: This contains the Subscription and Resource group. Leave the Subscription on default and create the Resource group. Existing resource group can be used if they are similar items or project.
In this case, NovemberWorkload is selected, since it has been created.
b. Instance details: The Name of the Window Server, Region to be deployed, Availability zone are shown in the picture below:

c. Administrator account: Choose User ID and Password to log in to this server.

d. Inbound port rules: On the Public inbound ports, click on Selected Ports and Open Ports HTTP(80) and RDP(3389)
Note: Port 80 is the default port for unencrypted web traffic using HTTP. Opening this port allows users to access web services or host web applications on the Windows Server VM. It facilitates the delivery of web content, such as websites or web-based applications.
RDP is a proprietary protocol developed by Microsoft that allows users to remotely access and control a Windows-based computer over a network. Port 3389 is the default port used by RDP for remote desktop connections to Windows Server VMs.

Step 4:
Keep the rest of the setting, but on Monitoring, Disable the Boot Diagnostics.

Step 5:
On the Review and Create Tab, make sure validation is passed before you click on create:

Step 6:
Deployment of the machine

Step 7:
Click on Go to Resource to access the Webserver created

Step 8:
Connect to the Window Server and Download the RDP

Click on Yes to continue

Step 9:
Installation of Web Server

How to Create Linux Virtual Machine On Microsoft Azure and Install "Nginx" Server

Ige Olanrewaju Ogunlade — Sat, 02 Dec 2023 18:02:04 +0000

Introduction
Azure Linux Virtual Machines (VMs) are a part of Microsoft Azure's cloud computing platform that allows users to deploy and manage Linux-based virtual machines in the Azure cloud environment. These VMs provide flexibility, scalability, and various options for running different Linux distributions, applications, and workloads.

Procedure to create Azure Virtual Machine

Step 1: Sign in to Azure Portal

Visit the Azure Portal https://portal.azure.com and sign in using your Azure account credentials.
Azure has two means of achieving:

Pay-As-You-Go subscription.
Free subscription.

For the sake of learning, it is advisable to choose Free subscription.

Step 2: Search for Linux Virtual Machine on Web Browser

On the Azure web browser, search for Virtual Machine

Click on Create and Select Azure Window Machine

3. Create a virtual machine

To create the machine, we are going to work on the following Tabs:
Basics, Disks, Networking, Management, Monitoring, Advanced, Tags, Review + create

Project details: This contains the Subscription and Resource group. The subscription should be left on default and the Resource group should be created otherwise, the existing one can be selected. In this case, the existing NovemberWorkload is selected.

Instance details: The selected options are shown on the picture below

Administrator account: On the Authentication type, Password is selected. This will enable you to create the user ID and password for the virtual machine.

Inbound port rules: On Public inbound ports, click on Allow selected ports On the Select inbound ports, open ports HTTP(80) and SSH(22).

Note:

Port 22 (SSH - Secure Shell):
SSH is a standard protocol used for secure remote access to a server. It provides encrypted communication sessions over an unsecured network and allows users to log in to the VM remotely.
Opening port 22 allows administrators or users to securely connect to the Linux VM using SSH to perform various tasks like configuration, management, software installation, and more.
Port 80 (HTTP - Hypertext Transfer Protocol):
Port 80 is the default port for unencrypted web traffic using HTTP. It is used to serve web content such as websites, web applications, or APIs.
By default, Azure might open port 80 to enable users to deploy web applications or host websites on the Linux VM.

4. Monitoring
Data, Networking and Management is left on default for now. However, on the Monitoring Tab, Booth Diagnostics is Disable. This is to make the activities seen only within the enterprise and not to the public domain.

5. Review and Create
The Advanced and Tags tabs are left on default. The activities is review for correction and it is created on the Review + Create tab. Note, it must shown Validation passed to move on

6. Deployment
Here you need to allow the deployment to be completed.

It is now completed:

Next is to click on Go to Resources

7. Creation of Virtual Machine and Connection

Now, click on Native SSH

You should allow this to show Configured

8. Open powershell on your computer and type in this command

Click on Run as Administrator

ssh username@Ipaddress

9. You need to be in root to continue or do anything on Linux.

Type in the command

sudo su

Type “Y” to continue.

Installation is now complete

Open your web browser, paste the ip address you copied into the browser and press the enter key to connect to the web server.

Hurray, now we have access to the web server

How to Create a Windows 11 Virtual Machine in Azure

Ige Olanrewaju Ogunlade — Sat, 02 Dec 2023 05:09:38 +0000

A virtual machine (VM) is a digital version of a physical computer.

Azure VM is a service provided by Microsoft Azure that allows you to create and use a virtualized example of a computer in the cloud. That is, instead of buying a physical computer, you can rent or use these virtual machines hosted on Microsoft's servers.
Just like a regular computer, Azure VMs have their own operating system, storage, memory (RAM), and processing power (CPU). You can install software, run applications, and perform tasks on these virtual machines, connect to networks, do other computing functions, and requires maintenance such as updates and system monitoring. The only thing is that all the computing happens remotely on Microsoft's servers.
Azure VM offers flexibility—you can choose the specifications (like how powerful the virtual machine should be) and easily scale up or down based on your needs without worrying about the physical hardware.

By the end of this article, you will be able to create your own Azure Virtual Machine

Procedure to create Azure Virtual Machine

Step 1: Sign in to Azure Portal

Visit the Azure Portal https://portal.azure.com and sign in using your Azure account credentials.
Azure has two means of achieving:

Pay-As-You-Go subscription.
Free subscription.

For the sake of learning, it is advisable to choose Free subscription.

Step 2: Create the Window Virtual Machine

On the Azure web browser, search for Virtual Machine

Click on Virtual Machine:

Click on Create and Select Azure Virtual Machine:

This will lead to the template where we create the VM:

*Step 3: You fill the Project Details
*
Project Details is a term that can refer to various pieces of information and settings associated with a specific project or resource within the Azure platform. These details typically include information about the Resource Group, configurations, settings, and metadata related to a particular Azure project.

Under the Project details, we have:

Subscriptions: This determines where the VM's costs will be billed, the scope of resources available, and the management boundary within which the VM will operate.

Resource Group: This allows us to organize and manage the resources that make up your VM. It helps in effectively managing the VM along with other related resources such as storage accounts, networking components, and associated services within the same application or project context. The Resource Group serves as a convenient way to manage, monitor, and control access to the resources that make up your Azure VM.
Note: Allow the default on the project details and name the Resource Group in any name suitable.

Step 4: Fill in the Instance details
Azure instance details include the following:

Virtual Machine Name: This is the name you assign to your VM, which helps you identify it among other resources in your Azure environment.
Region and Availability Options: The Azure region is where your VM will be deployed. It's essential to choose a region closest to your users or other resources for best performance.
Availability options might include options for high availability configurations, such as availability sets or availability zones(more than one).

Image and Operating System: This is the choice of the operating system and image that will serve as the base for your VM.

Size and Configuration: This includes specifications such as the virtual machine size (CPU, RAM, storage) and the series (e.g., general-purpose, memory-optimized, compute-optimized) based on your workload requirements.

*Step 5: Create Administrator Account:
*
Authentication type: Details related to user accounts and passwords or SSH keys used to access and manage the VM.

On the type, select password for now. Choose any user name you deep good and strong password you can easily remember.
Other parameters here should be left default for now.

*Step 6: Fill in the Inbound Port rules:
*
This refers to the configurations that control the incoming network traffic to the VM. These rules are part of the networking settings and define which network ports on the VM are open and accessible to incoming connections from the internet or other networks.
Port Allowance: Inbound port rules specify which network ports are allowed to receive incoming traffic on the VM. Each rule defines a specific port or a range of ports (e.g., port 80 for HTTP, port 443 for HTTPS, port 22 for SSH) that can accept incoming connections.

For now, we choose select allow ports and check on the Licensing: HTTP(80) and SSH(22)

On the other Taps: Disks, Networking, Management, Advanced and Tags should be left at default for now but on the Monitoring, Disable should be clicked, this is to enable you manage your activities within your organization and not the public.

Step 7: Review and Create
**
Click on the **Review + Create to validate:

Click on Create:

*Step 8: Wait for Deployment to be completed
*

*Step 9: Click on Go to resource
*
This shows the specification of VM created

Step 10: Connect your VM with Public IP Address
**
To connect the VM to IP, click on connect.
Note: To avoid your machine being timed out, click on the Public IP address, and change the time from 4mins to 30mins and save.
After this, click on **Select on the Native RDP

Step 11: Click on Download RDP file
Allow this to fully download otherwise, it may not run

Open the downloaded file and follow the prompt:

Step 12:Connect and type your username and password created during Administrator Account

*Step 13: This is active Azure Virtual Machine running
*