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
- Cloud Concepts: 25-30%
- Azure Architecture and Services: 35-40%
- Azure Management and Governance: 30-35%
- 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! 🌟