Azure Fundamentals Lecture Notes

Jun 28, 2024

Azure Fundamentals Lecture Notes 📚

Introduction to Azure Fundamentals

  • Instructor: Andrew Brown
  • Platform: freeCodeCamp
  • Course: Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900)

Course Overview

  • Certification Goal: Microsoft Certification (AZ-900)
  • Methods: Lecture videos, hands-on labs, practice exams
  • Benefits: Add certification to resume and LinkedIn
  • Support: Optional paid materials

Azure Fundamentals Certification

  • What It Is: Entry-level cloud certification for Microsoft Azure
  • No Prerequisites: Suitable for beginners, some IT experience helpful
  • Key Topics:
    • Basics of cloud computing
    • Benefits of cloud services
    • Core Services: Computing, networking, storage, databases
    • Identity, security, governance
    • Pricing, subscriptions, cost management
    • Tools: Azure portal, SDK, CLI
  • Azure: Second leading cloud service provider, after AWS
  • Comparison: Similar to AWS Cloud Practitioner
  • Audience:
    • New to cloud technology
    • Non-technical backgrounds needing cloud knowledge
    • Senior cloud engineers needing a knowledge refresh
  • Value: Provides an extensive view of Azure, suitable for big-picture thinking
  • Exam Difficulty: Not difficult; lays a foundation for specialized certifications

Azure Roadmap

  • Fundamentals: Azure Fundamentals
  • Other Fundamental Certifications: AI-900, DP-900, SC-900
  • Next Steps: Administrator (AZ-104), Solutions Architect (AZ-204), and more

Study Timeline

  • Beginner: ~30 hours (lecture + labs + practice exams)
  • Experienced: ~6 hours
  • General: ~24 hours
  • Recommended Study: 1-2 hours/day for 14 days, take time with practice exams

Exam Details

  • Format: Lecture videos, hands-on labs, practice exams
  • Where to Take: Test centers or online
  • Proctoring: Via Pearson VUE
  • Question Types: Multiple choice, multiple answer, drag-and-drop, yes/no
  • Duration: ~45 minutes, seat time ~70 minutes
  • Scoring: 700 points out of 1,000 (70%), scaled scoring

Key Exam Domains

  1. Cloud Concepts: 25-30%
  2. Azure Architecture and Services: 35-40%
  3. Azure Management and Governance: 30-35%
  4. Domains and Subdomains

Exam Preparation

  • Actions: Watch videos, follow along in labs, use practice exams
  • Exam Resources: Microsoft Learn platform
  • Sandbox for Practice: Use free tier with credit card
  • Exam Strategy: Take your time, absorb knowledge, and use Azure sandbox to practice

Additional Resources

  • Azure Sandbox: In-person at test centers for a controlled environment
  • Pearson VUE: Test centers and online proctoring options

Content Breakdown

  • Describe Cloud Concepts: Definitions, shared responsibility model, deployment types
  • Core Architectural Components: Global infrastructure, cloud networking
  • Services in Focus: Virtual machines, functions, storage
  • Security and Identity: Azure ID, cost management
  • Governance: Azure policy, Azure Arc, coding with templates
  • Monitoring and Management: Azure service health, monitoring tools
  • Special Topics: Cross-cloud concepts, Disaster Recovery options

Technical Deep Dives

  • Virtual Machines: Configurations, networking, and OS options
  • Resource Groups: Creation and management
  • Serverless Computing: Azure Functions, event-triggered code
  • Azure CLI and Powershell: Command-line management
  • Infrastructure as Code:
    • Azure Resource Manager (ARM): Declarative JSON templates
    • Azure Bicep: Higher-level language for ARM
    • Terraform: Multi-cloud infrastructure as code tool

Services in Focus

  • Azure App Services: Deploying and managing web apps
  • Azure Storage Services: Blob storage, file storage, data management
  • Azure Networking: Virtual networks, VPN, ExpressRoute
  • Azure Databases: SQL Database, Cosmos DB, data migration services

Monitoring and Security

  • Azure Monitor: Comprehensive monitoring solution
  • Azure Security Center: Unified security management
  • Key Vault: Safeguarding keys and secrets
  • Denial of Service Protection: Basic and Standard tiers

Additional Learning Resources

  • Microsoft Learn: Study guides and sandbox environments
  • Community: Online forums, tech communities

Conclusion

  • Certification Benefits: Enhances resume, LinkedIn, career opportunities
  • Preparation Strategy: Utilize resources, take practice exams, join communities
  • Future Steps: Continue with advanced Azure certifications

Further Study Tips

  • Consistency: Regular study sessions
  • Practice: Hands-on labs and real-world scenarios
  • Review: Revisit difficult topics and practice questions

This concludes the lecture notes on Azure Fundamentals by Andrew Brown. Happy studying and best of luck on your AZ-900 certification! 🌟