DEV Community: Solomon Fashola

A Guide on Creating and Connecting to a Linux Virtual Machine Scale Set (VMSS)

Solomon Fashola — Tue, 22 Apr 2025 15:51:56 +0000

Azure Virtual Machine Scale Sets (VMSS) provide a streamlined, scalable solution for deploying and managing groups of identical virtual machines. Ideal for hosting web applications, containerized services, or large-scale data processing, VMSS delivers built-in auto-scaling, load balancing, and high availability.

Designed for consistency and performance, VMSS automatically adjusts the number of VMs based on demand, helping you maintain application availability while optimizing costs.

This guide walks you through the process of creating and connecting to a Linux-based Virtual Machine Scale Set in Azure.

Step 1. Log In to Azure https://portal.azure.com

A successful login bring you to this page below,

On the search bar, type vmss , then click on Virtual machine scale sets

Click on Create virtual machine scale sets

Choose your desired subscription and resource group.

Virtual machine scale set name: Input a desired name for your VM scale set.
Region: Select a region close to you or your clients in order to reduce latency.
Availability Options: Choose Availability Zones to enhance resiliency or Availability Set if required.
Orchestration mode: Choose either Uniform or Flexible.
Security type: Standard

Selecting an Orchestration Mode

Uniform Orchestration Mode
In Uniform mode, all virtual machines share the same configuration, enabling automatic scaling and streamlined management. This mode supports automatic instance upgrades and integrates seamlessly with load balancing and autoscaling features. It is well-suited for stateless or containerized workloads, such as web applications or batch processing.

Flexible Orchestration Mode
Flexible mode offers greater control over individual VM instances, allowing for varied configurations and advanced management capabilities. It is ideal for stateful workloads, persistent storage requirements, and complex health checks. This mode also supports Availability Zones, enhancing resiliency and fault tolerance.

Scaling mode: Enable Autoscaling to allow Azure to automatically adjust the number of VM instances based on real-time workload demands, ensuring optimal performance and cost efficiency.

Image: Ubuntu Server 24.04 LTS - x64 Gen2
VM architecture: x64
Size: Standard_D2s_v3 - 2 vcpus, 8 GiB memory (US$70.08/month)
Authentication type: SSH public key
Username: azureuser
SSH public key source: Generate new key pair
SSH Key Type: RSA SSH Format
Key pair name: Use the default key pair name generated

Scroll up and click on Networking to view and configure network settings for your Virtual Machine Scale Set.

Click on the pen icon as indicated with the red arrow to edit the Network interface

NIC network security group: Basic
Public inbound ports: Allow selected ports
Select inbound ports: HTTP (80) and SSH (22)
Public IP address: Enabled
Accelerated networking: Enabled

Click on OK

For the Load balancing options, pick Azure load balancer, then click on as indicted in the image below Create a load balancer

Create a unique Load Balancer name, set the Type to Public and use TCP as the Protocol then click on Create.

The newly created load balancer (my_vmss) is automatically configured and selected by default. Click on Review + create

Click on Create

Click on Download private key and create resource

Your VMSS is deployed, click on Go to resource

Click on Networking as indicted with the red arrow, then click on Load balancing

Click on the Load balancer (my_vmss)

Click on View inbound NAT Rules

Take note or copy your Frontend IP (4.155.66.51) and Frontend port (50000) as highlighted in the image below

Run the following on your Windows PowerShell

ssh -i "/$HOME/Downloads/V_key.pem" azureuser@4.155.66.51 -p 50000

(REMEMBER TO USE YOUR PRIVATE KEY INFORMATION, MINE IS FOR REFERENCE/EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES)

This shows VMSS has deployed and connected successfully.

Update the System Packages

To ensure your server is up to date and secure, run the following commands to update and upgrade the package list for any available system upgrades.

in the cmd prompt, type: sudo apt update

To update the VMSS, type: sudo apt update

To upgrade the VMSS, type the following command:
sudo apt upgrade -y

Proceed to Install Nginx

Once the VMSS is updated, you can proceed to install the Nginx web server by running the following command: sudo apt install nginx -y

Finally, copy the frontend IP (4.155.66.51) on your web browser and enter click on Enter.

Open your preferred web browser and enter the frontend IP IP address in the address bar.

For example: http://4.155.66.51

Or simply type: 4.155.66.51

With Nginx successfully installed, the default Nginx welcome page will be displayed, confirming that the frontend IP is active and the server is running properly.

Congratulations!

You've successfully created and connected to a Linux Virtual Machine Scale Set (VMSS) in Microsoft Azure and configured secure SSH access using a public key. You're now ready to install your preferred web server and begin developing or deploying applications in a secure, scalable cloud environment.

Azure VMSS offers a streamlined and automated way to manage large groups of virtual machines, with built-in support for auto-scaling, load balancing, high availability, and simplified operations. It's an ideal solution for applications that require consistent, scalable infrastructure—ranging from web services to high-performance computing.

By leveraging VMSS, organizations can enhance application performance, maintain high availability, and optimize cloud costs, ensuring their workloads remain responsive and resilient.

An Easy Step-by-Step Guide to Creating and Connecting to a Linux Virtual Machine Using a Public Key

Solomon Fashola — Mon, 21 Apr 2025 12:34:29 +0000

Creating a Linux Virtual Machine (VM) and connecting to it via SSH using a public key is a secure and efficient way to manage cloud-based infrastructure. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of deploying a Linux VM on Microsoft Azure and establishing a secure SSH connection using public key authentication.

Step 1. Log In to Azure

On your web browser, head over to https://portal.azure.com and log in with your Microsoft account. If you dont have an account, create or sign up and provide the required information so your Microsoft account can be activated.

A successful login bring you to this page below,

Step 2. Create a New Virtual Machine

To create a Virtual Machine, click on Create a resource as indicated in the image below

Click on Virtual machine

For the Basics configurations, fill in the tabs as follows:

Subscription: Select your subscription
Resource Group: Use an existing or create a resource group
Virtual machine name: MyLinux-VM or use your desired username
Region: Select a nearby or preferred location
Availability options: No infrastructure redundancy required
Security type: Standard
Image: Ubuntu Server 24.04 LTS - x64 Gen2
VM architecture: x64
Size: Standard_B1s - 1 vcpu, 1 GiB memory (US$7.59/month) (free services eligible)
Authentication type: SSH public key
Username: Use your desired username
SSH public key source: Generate new key pair
SSH Key Type: RSA SSH Format
Key pair name: linux-vm_key or use your desired username
Public inbound ports: Allow selected ports
Select inbound ports: HTTP (80) and SSH (22)

Step 3. Configure Disks

Click on Next : Disks >, this leads you to on the next page, you can use the default OS disk size, use the Image default (30 GiB) and for the OS disk type, use the default settings Premium SSD (locally-redundant storage) unless you have unique configuration requirements.

Step 4. Networking Configuration

On the bottom of the last page in Step 3, Click on Next : Networking >, this leads you to the Network interface page below:

Use the default setting as provided by Azure in the above image. This is to ensure the Native SSH is enabled so you can easily connect to your Private key. Skip the Management tab and Click on Review + create.

Step 5. Generate SSH private Key

After a successful Linux VM deployment process, Azure will validate the configuration

Click on Create

Download private key and create resource, afterwards, the deployment will start.

Click on Go to resource, then click on Connect

then type: ssh -i "/$HOME/Downloads/linux-vm_key_0420.pem" azureuser@your_public_ip on your Windows PowerShell

Update the Server and Install a Web Server (Nginx)

Now that you're connected to your virtual machine, the next step is to update the system and install a web server. We'll be using Nginx, a high-performance and lightweight web server that's perfect for serving static websites and handling web traffic efficiently.

Update the System Packages

To ensure your server is up to date and secure, run the following commands to update the package list and install any available system upgrades:

in the cmd prompt, type: sudo apt update

then type sudo apt upgrade -y

Proceed to Install Nginx

Once the system is updated, you can proceed to install the Nginx web server by running the following command: sudo apt install nginx -y

Finally, Access Your Web Server

With Nginx successfully installed, you can now view your web server in action.

Open your preferred web browser and enter your server's public IP address in the address bar.

For example: http://172.191.120.151

Or simply type: 172.191.120.151

You should see the default Nginx welcome page, confirming that the web server is up and running.

Congratulations!

You’ve successfully created a Linux virtual machine in Microsoft Azure and configured secure SSH access using a public key. You're now all set to install your preferred web server and begin developing or deploying your applications with confidence in a secure cloud environment. Happy building!

An Easy Step-by-Step Guide on How to Deploy a Windows 11 Virtual Machine on Microsoft Azure

Solomon Fashola — Sun, 20 Apr 2025 14:16:29 +0000

Deploying a Windows 11 virtual machine on Microsoft Azure is quick and straightforward. Whether you're developing, learning, or experimenting, this guide will walk you through the process. Grab your laptop and lets go.

Step 1. Log In to Azure

A successful login bring you to this page below,

Step 2. Create a New Virtual Machine

To create a Virtual Machine, click on Create a resource as indicated in the image below

Click on Virtual machine

For the Basics configurations, fill in the tabs as follows:

Subscription: Azure subscription 1
Resource Group: Use an existing or create a resource group
Virtual machine name: mywindows11vm
Region: Select a nearby or preferred location
Image: Select Windows 11 Pro
Size: Use Standard D2s or similar
Authentication: Username and password
Inbound port rules: Allow selected ports and choose RDP (3389) for Windows access

Step 3. Configure Disks

Click on Next : Disks >, this leads you to on the next page, you can use the default OS disk size, use the Image default (127 GiB) and for the OS disk type, use the default settings Premium SSD (locally-redundant storage) unless you have unique configuration requirements.

Step 4. Networking Configuration

On the bottom of the last page in Step 3, Click on Next : Networking >, this leads you to the Network interface page below:

Use the default setting as provided by Azure in the above image. This is to ensure the RDP is enabled so you can easily connect to your VM.

Step 5. Management Configuration

Click on Enable auto-shutdown

Stroll down and click on Review + create.

A successful setup will bring you to the page as seen below:

Click on Create, this leads to the creation of the VM and it deploying as seen in the image below;

After a successful VM deployment process, the page will change into this

Click on Go to resource, then click on Connect

On the Native RDP, click on Select, a screen will pop up, showing the Native RDP configurations, click on Download RDP file. After downloading the file, install the application.

Input the password you used when creating the VM during the Basics Configuration setup,

Click on Yes.

Congratulations! You've successfully set up and deployed a Windows 11 virtual machine in the cloud using Microsoft Azure—a valuable step forward in your Cloud and DevOps journey.

To keep your environment efficient and cost-effective, regularly monitor your usage through Azure’s Cost Management tools, and remember to stop or deallocate your VM when it's not in use to avoid unexpected charges.

CloudComputing #DevOps #Azure #VirtualMachines #CloudDeployment

Unlocking the Power of Azure: Understanding the Core Architectural Components

Solomon Fashola — Sun, 16 Mar 2025 12:44:01 +0000

Microsoft Azure is a comprehensive cloud computing platform that offers a wide range of services for computing, storage, networking, and more. At the heart of Azure lies a set of core architectural components that provide the foundation for building, deploying, and managing cloud-based applications. In this blog, we'll delve into the core architectural components of Azure, exploring their key features, benefits, and how they can help you unlock the full potential of the Azure platform.

Azure Regions
Azure regions are geographic locations around the world that host Azure datacenters. Each region is a separate geographic area that contains one or more datacenters.

Benefits: Provides low-latency, high-bandwidth access to Azure services, enabling you to deploy applications closer to your users.
Key Features: Multiple regions worldwide, each containing one or more datacenters.

Availability Zones
Availability Zones (AZs) are isolated locations within an Azure region that provide redundant power, cooling, and networking.

Benefits: Provides high availability and redundancy for applications, enabling you to deploy applications across multiple AZs for added resilience.
Key Features: Isolated locations within an Azure region, each with redundant power, cooling, and networking.

Resource Groups
Resource Groups (RGs) are logical containers that hold related Azure resources, such as virtual machines, storage accounts, and networks.

Benefits: Provides a centralized way to manage and monitor Azure resources, enabling you to simplify resource management and reduce costs.
Key Features: Logical containers that hold related Azure resources.

Azure Resource Manager (ARM)
ARM is a management service that enables you to create, manage, and monitor Azure resources.

Benefits: Provides a unified management experience for Azure resources, enabling you to simplify resource management and reduce costs.
Key Features: Supports template-based deployments, resource tagging, and access control.

Virtual Networks (VNets)
VNets are software-defined networks that enable you to create and manage virtual networks in Azure.

Benefits: Provides a secure and isolated environment for applications, enabling you to control traffic flow and reduce security risks.
Key Features: Supports subnets, network security groups, and route tables.

Subnets
Subnets are logical subdivisions of a VNet that enable you to organize and secure resources.

Benefits: Provides a way to segment resources and control traffic flow, enabling you to improve security and reduce complexity.
Key Features: Supports network security groups and route tables.

Network Security Groups (NSGs)
NSGs are virtual firewalls that enable you to control traffic flow to and from resources.

Benefits: Provides a way to secure resources and control traffic flow, enabling you to reduce security risks and improve compliance.
Key Features: Supports inbound and outbound traffic rules.

Azure Active Directory (AAD)
AAD is a cloud-based identity and access management service that enables you to manage user identities and access to Azure resources.

Benefits: Provides a centralized way to manage user identities and access to Azure resources, enabling you to simplify identity management and reduce security risks.
Key Features: Supports multi-factor authentication, conditional access, and role-based access control.

Conclusion
The core architectural components of Azure provide the foundation for building, deploying, and managing cloud-based applications. By understanding these components, including Azure regions, availability zones, resource groups, ARM, VNets, subnets, NSGs, and AAD, you can unlock the full potential of the Azure platform. With their robust security features, scalable architecture, and simplified management capabilities, these components enable you to build and deploy applications that meet the demands of today's digital landscape.