DEV Community: Oreofe Towobola

My First Time Experience With Virtual Machines on Azure

Oreofe Towobola — Fri, 09 Oct 2026 17:13:25 +0000

INTRODUCTION

My recent journey into Dev-Ops lead me to Microsoft Azure Where I was introduced to the concepts of virtual machines. First and foremost.

WHAT IS A VIRTUAL MACHINE

A virtual machine is a software‑based computer that emulates a physical computer, running its own operating system and applications in an isolated environment on host hardware.

GETTING STARTED

I had to get acquainted with Azure first. carefully assessing subscription plans and how to get around generally. I was able to find help in a Microsoft exercise on how to create VMs.
To begin I needed a

Microsoft Azure Account.
Stable internet connection.
Microsoft material on how to create and operate virtual machines.

With that I was able to get the steps necessary to create one

STEPS TO CREATING A VIRTUAL MACHINE

STEP 1: Creating a resource group

In the Azure Portal Search Bar, enter Resource Groups and select Resource groups from the list of results.
On the Resource Groups page, select Create.
On the Create a Resource Group page, select your subscription and enter the name rg-alpha. Set the region to East US, choose Review + Create, and then choose Create.

STEP 2: Creating App Log Examiners security group

In the Azure Portal Search Bar, enter Azure Active Directory (or Entra ID) from the list of results.
On the Default Directory page, select Groups.
On the Groups page, choose New Group.

STEP 3: Creating a virtual machine

In the Azure Portal Search Bar, enter Virtual Machines and select Virtual Machines from the list of results.
On the Virtual Machines page, choose Create and select Azure Virtual Machine.
On the Basics page of the Create A Virtual Machine wizard, Adjust your settings according to your specifics and then choose Create.
Wait for the deployment to complete. Once deployment completes choose Go to resource.

STEP 4: CHANGING NETWORKING RULES

Editing remote Desktop Protocol (rdp)

Adding inbound port rules

STEP 5: Connection & Deployment

where the rdp file is downloaded and used to open the dialog box

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

It opened my eyes to another side of computing I wasn't aware of, It was genuinely a lot at first and still is but I hope to get better

LESSONS LEARNED

- Resource Allocation Matters
I learned quickly that assigning too little RAM or CPU made the VM sluggish, while over‑allocating strained my host machine.

- Security Awareness
Running a VM made me realize how isolated environments can protect the host system.

- Cost and Cloud Considerations
On Azure, I discovered that forgetting to shut down a VM could rack up charges.

TAKE AWAY

Using virtual machines isn’t just about learning a new tool — it’s about developing habits around efficiency, safety, and resource management.

The Current Reality Of Those Wanting To Break Into Tech And Gain Stability

Oreofe Towobola — Tue, 22 Sep 2026 12:48:47 +0000

Breaking into the tech industry in 2026 remains a challenging endeavor for newcomers, characterized by a paradox of high demand for specialized skills alongside a saturated entry-level market.

The Core Realities of 2026

The "Experience" Premium:
The market is heavily skewed toward mid-level and senior talent who can hit the ground running with minimal supervision. Hiring managers are less willing to invest in long-term mentorship programs for juniors, leading to a "chicken-and-egg" scenario where entry-level roles require 2–3 years of experience.
The AI Skill Shift:
While generalist software engineering roles have fluctuated, demand for AI-integrated roles (AI engineering, data infrastructure, LLM optimization) has surged. This means "knowing how to code" is no longer enough; the value lies in knowing how to leverage AI tools to build, deploy, or manage AI-driven systems.
Market Bifurcation:
The job market is not uniform. While some reports suggest a surge in engineering openings, much of this is concentrated in highly specialized niches. Traditional "fresh out of bootcamp" or "new grad" entry-level roles remain highly competitive, with candidates often facing hundreds of applicants per opening.

Cloud Concepts: Understanding the Foundations of Modern Computing

Oreofe Towobola — Sat, 05 Sep 2026 11:43:02 +0000

What is the cloud: The cloud is a way of delivering computing services—such as servers, storage, databases, networking, software, and analytics—over the internet instead of running them on your own computer or local data center. Then we ask ourselves what are the core concepts of the cloud, what makes it up. These include:

** Key Cloud Concepts**

Computing: Virtual machines and processing power.

Storage: Places to store files, backups, and databases.

Networking: Connections that allow systems and users to communicate.

Security: Tools and policies that protect data and applications.

Scalability: The ability to increase or decrease resources as demand changes.

Pay-as-you-go: You pay only for the resources you use.

Cloud computing has transformed the way individuals and organizations access, manage, and deliver technology. Organizations that embrace cloud computing gain the agility, resilience, and competitive advantage needed to thrive in an increasingly connected world.