Azure Infrastructure Fundamentals from Coursera

What's inside

Syllabus

Course Introduction

This module is an introduction to the course. It will introduce the instructor and the topics that will be covered. Then it will guide the student into creating a new Azure subscription to use in the course.

Module 1: Managing Azure Subscriptions

Our journey begins with learning about the subscription and how to manage it. The subscription is the building block for all that we do in Azure. So, we need to understand what it is and how it is used. We will first take a look at the resources and resource groups. Then we will explores the permissions structure that is used to secure Azure resources. Then we are introduced to the first tool that is the Azure Monitor. We will look at creating alerts and also analyzing data using Log Analytics. Then we look at how we can configure additional diagnostics to help us make more informed decisions in designing the Azure environment.

Module 2: Managing Resource Groups

Now that we have a foundation for Azure we need to delve a little deeper into security. In this module we will be looking at how to use RBAC (Role-Based Access Control). We will be look at working with Azure roles and how to configure access to Azure resources. We will also talk about creating custom Azure roles. Then we discuss using Azure policy to prevent project sprawl and also to protect the Azure environment.

Module 3: Azure AD Identity Management

When working with Azure we are using identities. These are housed in Azure AD and also on-premises Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS). In this module, we will examine Azure AD and contrast it with AD DS. Also, we will look at the tools that are involved in creating a Hybrid Azure AD environment. The discussion would not be complete without talking about how to secure the environment and using MFA. Plus, we need to understand the different editions of Azure AD, so we will be exploring this topic also.

Module 4: Storage

Storage is very important in Azure. Without storage then Azure would not exist. There are several different aspects of storage that we need to understand. We look at each of these different concepts. Things like the storage account, replication , lift/shift and so much more.

Module 5: Virtual Networks

The basis of an Azure environment is the VNET. This concept is not that hard to grasp. You need to understand the different types of connections that are available with the VNET. How do we communicate and the configuration? There are a lot of concepts that you need to understand to work with Azure VNETS. We will explore each of those concepts in depth.

Module 6: Virtual Machines

So, you start off with the subscription, you configure some security, you acquire the storage, you build your VNETS and now it is time to explore VMS. If you have worked with hyper-visors in the past this will be your wheelhouse. Azure is backed by Hyper-V. We can support Windows and Linux VMS. We can make them highly available and also resilient. We can back them up and also provide DR. These are the concepts that you will learn about in this Module.

Final Exam

Ok, this is your final exam. All of your effort is now going to be tested. This will gauge how well you have grasped the material over the last couple of weeks. Good Luck. We know that you will do well.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores industry-standard cloud computing concepts, including IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS

Emphasizes practical skills in building Azure infrastructure, including VMs, VNETs, and storage

Taught by instructors with expertise and experience in Azure administration

Covers essential Azure infrastructure management aspects, such as security, monitoring, and backups

Delivers a solid foundation for understanding and working with Azure cloud services

Suitable for beginners seeking a comprehensive introduction to Azure infrastructure

Reviews summary

Azure fundamentals course breakdown

Learners say this Azure Fundamentals course is a mixed bag, with some commending its useful information and practical knowledge. However, many criticize its outdated content, poorly designed labs, and difficult and unfair final exam. Instructors could use more training and the course would benefit from updates.

Covers Azure fundamentals well

"Helped me to understand azure deeper though"

"The course has really been helpful in gaining azure fundamentals"

"This course had provided good practical and functional knowledge of the Azure subject and well cover the key operational topics."

Many labs have incorrect or incomplete information

"Course needs an update. Lots of labs have incorrect info."

"Plain theory. Poor labs that cannot be done without purchasing azure resources."

Unfair and ambiguous questions

"The final exam is horrendous!"

"The final exam is not straight forward with ambiguous answers for some of the questions."

"Exam questions are not set properly and for few the answers are not in-line with questions."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Azure Infrastructure Fundamentals with these activities:

Azure Fundamentals Workshop

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Expand your understanding of Azure's core concepts and services through a hands-on workshop led by industry experts.

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Register for the Azure Fundamentals Workshop
Attend the workshop
Complete hands-on exercises

Explore Azure Resource Manager (ARM) templates

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ARM templates are essential for automating Azure infrastructure deployment. Familiarize yourself with them through online tutorials.

Browse courses on Azure Resource Manager

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Find tutorials on creating ARM templates.
Follow the tutorials to create and deploy ARM templates for simple scenarios.

Azure Security Discussion Group

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Enhance your comprehension of Azure Security by engaging in discussions with peers, sharing insights, and asking questions in a dedicated discussion group.

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Join the Azure Security Discussion Group
Participate in discussions
Ask questions and share your knowledge

Five other activities

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Create a simple Azure Virtual Network (VNet)

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Hands-on experience is vital in cloud computing. Practice creating a VNet in Azure to reinforce your understanding.

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Set up an Azure account and create a resource group.
Create a VNet using the Azure portal or CLI.
Configure subnet settings, including address range and security settings.

Describe the different types of Azure Storage

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Create a blog post explaining the differences between Azure Storage types, like Blob Storage, File Storage, and Table Storage.

Browse courses on Azure Storage

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Research the different types of Azure Storage.
Write a blog post describing each type of storage, including its benefits and use cases.

Azure Storage Practice Problems

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Solidify your knowledge of Azure Storage concepts by solving practice problems that test your understanding of blob storage, queues, and tables.

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Review Azure Storage documentation
Solve practice problems
Check your answers

Explore Azure Virtual Networks with Hands-on Labs

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Reinforce your understanding of Azure Virtual Networks by following step-by-step tutorials that guide you through real-world scenarios.

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Start the virtual machine
Create storage account
Create a virtual network
Deploy a web app to the virtual network
Access the web app

Master Azure Virtual Machines with Hands-on Tutorials

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Gain hands-on experience with Azure Virtual Machines through guided tutorials that cover VM creation, management, and deployment.

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Create a new virtual machine
Configure network settings
Install an operating system
Deploy an application
Monitor and manage the VM

Career center

Learners who complete Azure Infrastructure Fundamentals will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Azure Administrator

An Azure Administrator is responsible for managing and maintaining Azure infrastructure. This course provides a comprehensive overview of Azure infrastructure, including topics such as Azure subscriptions, resource groups, storage, virtual networks, and virtual machines. This knowledge will help you to manage and maintain Azure environments effectively.

See salaries and explore the career path for Azure Administrator

Network Administrator

A Network Administrator is responsible for managing and maintaining computer networks. This course provides a solid foundation in Azure infrastructure, which is essential for any Network Administrator. The course covers topics such as Azure subscriptions, resource groups, storage, virtual networks, and virtual machines. This knowledge will help you to manage and maintain Azure networks that support the business needs of your organization.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Administrator

Cloud Architect

A Cloud Architect is responsible for designing, planning, and overseeing the implementation of cloud computing solutions. This course provides a solid foundation in Azure infrastructure, which is essential for any Cloud Architect. The course covers topics such as Azure subscriptions, resource groups, storage, virtual networks, and virtual machines. This knowledge will help you to design and implement Azure solutions that are secure, reliable, and scalable.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cloud Architect

DevOps Engineer

A DevOps Engineer is responsible for bridging the gap between development and operations teams. This course provides a solid foundation in Azure infrastructure, which is essential for any DevOps Engineer. The course covers topics such as Azure subscriptions, resource groups, storage, virtual networks, and virtual machines. This knowledge will help you to build and manage Azure infrastructure that supports DevOps practices.

See salaries and explore the career path for DevOps Engineer

IT Manager

An IT Manager is responsible for managing the IT infrastructure of an organization. This course provides a solid foundation in Azure infrastructure, which is essential for any IT Manager. The course covers topics such as Azure subscriptions, resource groups, storage, virtual networks, and virtual machines. This knowledge will help you to manage and maintain Azure environments that support the business needs of your organization.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Manager

System Administrator

A System Administrator is responsible for managing and maintaining computer systems. This course provides a solid foundation in Azure infrastructure, which is essential for any System Administrator. The course covers topics such as Azure subscriptions, resource groups, storage, virtual networks, and virtual machines. This knowledge will help you to manage and maintain Azure environments that support the business needs of your organization.

See salaries and explore the career path for System Administrator

Cloud Security Engineer

A Cloud Security Engineer is responsible for securing cloud computing environments. This course provides a solid foundation in Azure infrastructure, which is essential for any Cloud Security Engineer. The course covers topics such as Azure subscriptions, resource groups, storage, virtual networks, and virtual machines. This knowledge will help you to secure Azure environments from threats.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cloud Security Engineer

Cloud Consultant

A Cloud Consultant advises clients on how to use cloud computing to improve their business. This course provides a solid foundation in Azure infrastructure, which is essential for any Cloud Consultant. The course covers topics such as Azure subscriptions, resource groups, storage, virtual networks, and virtual machines. This knowledge will help you to advise clients on how to use Azure to meet their business needs.

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Data Scientist

A Data Scientist uses data to solve business problems. This course provides a solid foundation in Azure storage, which is essential for any Data Scientist. The course covers topics such as Azure storage accounts, replication, and backup. This knowledge will help you to store and manage data in Azure for use in data science projects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Software Engineer

A Software Engineer designs, develops, and maintains software applications. This course may be useful for Software Engineers who want to learn more about Azure infrastructure. The course covers topics such as Azure subscriptions, resource groups, storage, virtual networks, and virtual machines. This knowledge can be helpful for developing and deploying software applications in Azure.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Database Administrator

A Database Administrator manages and maintains databases. This course may be useful for Database Administrators who want to learn more about Azure storage. The course covers topics such as Azure storage accounts, replication, and backup. This knowledge can be helpful for storing and managing databases in Azure.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator

IT Auditor

An IT Auditor evaluates the security and compliance of IT systems. This course may be useful for IT Auditors who want to learn more about Azure security and compliance. The course covers topics such as Azure role-based access control (RBAC) and Azure security policies. This knowledge can be helpful for evaluating the security and compliance of Azure environments.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Auditor

Security Analyst

A Security Analyst investigates and responds to security threats. This course may be useful for Security Analysts who want to learn more about Azure security. The course covers topics such as Azure role-based access control (RBAC) and Azure security policies. This knowledge can be helpful for securing Azure environments from threats.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Analyst

Business Analyst

A Business Analyst analyzes business processes and identifies opportunities for improvement. This course may be useful for Business Analysts who want to learn more about Azure infrastructure. The course covers topics such as Azure subscriptions, resource groups, storage, virtual networks, and virtual machines. This knowledge can be helpful for understanding how Azure can be used to improve business processes.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Project Manager

A Project Manager plans, executes, and closes projects. This course may be useful for Project Managers who want to learn more about Azure infrastructure. The course covers topics such as Azure subscriptions, resource groups, storage, virtual networks, and virtual machines. This knowledge can be helpful for managing projects that involve Azure infrastructure.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager