My First Time Experience With Virtual Machines on Azure

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

1. Microsoft Azure Account.
2. Stable internet connection.
3. 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

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1. In the Azure Portal Search Bar, enter Resource Groups and select Resource groups from the list of results.
2. On the Resource Groups page, select Create.
3. 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

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

STEP 3: Creating a virtual machine

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

STEP 4: CHANGING NETWORKING RULES

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Editing remote Desktop Protocol (rdp)
Which allows input and network capabilities the virtual machine
so change the source to my ip address as it is the more secure option

Adding inbound port rules

STEP 5: Connection & Deployment

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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.