Overview of Azure Fundamentals Course

Aug 23, 2024

Azure Fundamentals Course Overview

Instructor Introduction

  • Andrew Brown, Cloud instructor at FreeCodeCamp
  • Course focuses on Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900)
  • Includes lecture videos, hands-on labs, and free practice exams

Certification Overview

What is Azure Fundamentals?

  • Entry-level certification for Microsoft Azure
  • No prerequisites, suitable for individuals with little or no IT experience

Key Topics Covered

  1. Basics of cloud computing
  2. Benefits of cloud services
  3. Core Azure services: computing, networking, storage, and databases
  4. Identity, security, governance
  5. Pricing, subscriptions, and cost management
  6. Tools for managing Azure resources (e.g., Azure portal, SDK, CLI)

Target Audience

  • Individuals new to cloud computing
  • Non-technical professionals needing strategic information
  • Those wanting to understand Azure capabilities and build basic solutions
  • Senior cloud engineers needing a refresh on Azure

Value of Certification

  • Provides an expansive view of cloud architecture
  • Acts as a foundational certification for further specialization in Azure
  • Not sufficient for technical roles but can shortlist resumes for interviews

Azure Certification Path

  • Entry-level: AZ-900 (Fundamentals)
  • Associate certifications: e.g., AZ-104 (Administrator), AZ-204 (Developer)
  • Expert certifications available

Recommended Study Time

  • Beginner: ~30 hours for full understanding
  • Experienced: ~6 hours for familiarization
  • Recommended study approach: 1-2 hours a day for 14 days

Exam Details

  • Format: 35-50 questions, multiple choice, drag and drop, case studies
  • Scoring: 700 points required to pass
  • Domains covered: Cloud concepts, Azure architecture and services, management and governance
  • Validity: Certifications do not expire for fundamentals, but higher-level certs may require renewal every two years.

Azure Roadmap and Certifications

  1. Fundamental Certifications:
    • AI-900 (AI), DP-900 (Data), SC-900 (Security)
  2. Common Next Steps After AZ-900:
    • AZ-104 (Administrator), AZ-204 (Developer)
  3. Certification Tracking:
    • Microsoft Learn for updated paths and exams

Study Materials

  • Practice exams available for free
  • Purchase optional materials to enhance learning

Additional Notes

  • Azure as the second leading cloud provider after AWS
  • Emphasis on hands-on labs and practical knowledge for the exam
  • Azure Portal as the primary tool for managing resources

Understanding Cloud Computing

Definition

  • Cloud computing: Using a network of remote servers on the Internet to store, manage, and process data

Evolution of Hosting Models

  • Dedicated Servers: Expensive, single-use machines
  • Virtual Private Servers (VPS): Improved resource utilization via virtualization.
  • Shared Hosting: Cost-effective but limited control and functionality.
  • Cloud Hosting: Multiple physical machines acting as one, offering flexibility, scalability, and cost-effectiveness.

Common Azure Services

Types of Services

  1. Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS): Virtual machines, networking, and storage.
  2. Platform as a Service (PaaS): Azure App Services, Azure Kubernetes Service.
  3. Software as a Service (SaaS): Azure-hosted applications.

Microsoft Azure Fundamentals Certification

  • Entry-level certification for Azure cloud solution.
  • Covers foundational knowledge of Azure, cloud computing, and related services.

Azure Key Topics

  • Understanding cloud concepts and benefits.
  • Azure services architecture, management, and governance.
  • Pricing models and cost management tools.

Study Tips

  • Follow a structured study plan with practice exams.
  • Utilize Microsoft Learn resources and community support.
  • Engage with hands-on labs for practical experience.

Azure Services Overview

Azure Functions

  • Serverless compute service for running event-driven applications.
  • Supports multiple languages including C#, Java, Python.

Azure App Services

  • PaaS offering for hosting web applications without managing infrastructure.
  • Supports multiple programming languages.

Azure Networking Services

  • Virtual Network: Logically isolated section of Azure.
  • Load Balancer: Distributes traffic across resources and ensures high availability.

Azure Security Services

  • Azure Security Center: Unified security management and threat protection.
  • Azure Key Vault: Safeguards cryptographic keys and secrets.

Monitoring and Management

Azure Monitor

  • Monitors and analyzes performance and availability metrics.
  • Integrates with other Azure services for comprehensive insights.

Azure Advisor

  • Provides personalized best practice recommendations.
  • Categorizes recommendations into cost, performance, security, and operational excellence.

Azure Pricing and Cost Management

Azure Pricing Calculator

  • Estimates costs based on selected Azure services and configurations.

Azure Cost Management

  • Tools for tracking spending, setting budgets, and analyzing resource usage.

Azure Resource Management

Azure Resource Manager (ARM)

  • Creates, updates, deletes Azure resources in a consistent manner.
  • Uses ARM templates for infrastructure as code to define resource deployments.

Conclusion

  • Azure Fundamentals offers a comprehensive introduction to cloud computing with a focus on Azure.
  • Certification enhances career opportunities in cloud technologies.