Azure Virtual Machines u0026 Compute Fundamentals Quiz Quiz

Assess your understanding of Azure Virtual Machines and core compute concepts with this beginner-friendly quiz. Explore topics like VM types, scaling, costs, OS options, and basic management practices relevant to cloud-based infrastructure.

1. Choosing the Right Virtual Machine Size

   Which criterion is most important when selecting a virtual machine size for hosting a high-traffic web application?

   1. The number of available CPU cores
   2. The default wallpaper of the virtual machine
   3. The color of the virtual machine interface
   4. The physical distance from the data center

   Explanation: Selecting the correct number of CPU cores helps ensure your VM can handle processing demands for a high-traffic web application. The interface color and default wallpaper do not impact performance. While data center location can affect latency, it does not directly influence the VM size itself, making CPU cores the most relevant option.

2. Operating Systems Offered

   Which operating systems can you typically choose when creating a new virtual machine in the cloud?

   1. Only Linux
   2. Android
   3. Windows and Linux
   4. Only Windows

   Explanation: Most cloud services allow users to deploy both Windows and Linux operating systems for flexibility. Choosing only Linux or only Windows would limit options unnecessarily. Android is generally not available as a server operating system in this context.

3. Purpose of Availability Zones

   What is the primary purpose of deploying virtual machines across multiple availability zones?

   1. To decrease network bandwidth
   2. To increase billing costs
   3. To increase resiliency and reduce downtime
   4. To restrict access from certain users

   Explanation: Distributing VMs across availability zones helps prevent service interruptions if one zone fails, enhancing redundancy and reliability. Deploying in multiple zones does not inherently increase costs or decrease network bandwidth, and zone usage does not control user access.

4. Scaling Vertically vs. Horizontally

   If you add more virtual machines with the same configuration to handle increased traffic, what type of scaling is this an example of?

   1. Circular scaling
   2. Physical scaling
   3. Horizontal scaling
   4. Vertical scaling

   Explanation: Horizontal scaling involves adding more VM instances to distribute load, which is ideal for handling more traffic. Vertical scaling means increasing resources (CPU, RAM) of a single VM. Physical and circular scaling are not typically used terms in this context.

5. VM Deallocation Effect

   What happens when you deallocate a virtual machine but do not delete it?

   1. All your data is erased
   2. You stop being billed for compute resources, but data is preserved
   3. You continue being billed for compute and storage
   4. Your VM is permanently deleted

   Explanation: Deallocating a VM pauses compute billing but keeps disks and data intact for future use. Deletion would permanently remove the VM, and data loss only occurs if you specifically delete storage. Storage billing may still apply, but not for compute.

6. Managed vs. Unmanaged Disks

   What is an advantage of using managed disks for your virtual machines?

   1. Slower performance by default
   2. Storage not supported
   3. Manual partitioning required by users
   4. Automatic storage management and redundancy

   Explanation: Managed disks automatically handle storage management and provide built-in redundancy for greater reliability. Manual partitioning is not needed with managed disks. Stating that storage isn’t supported is incorrect, and managed disks are typically optimized for good performance, not slowness.

7. Automating VM Deployment

   Which tool or method can automate the deployment of multiple virtual machines with identical configurations?

   1. Manual click-through for each VM
   2. Voice commands only
   3. Changing VM names regularly
   4. A template or script

   Explanation: Templates and automation scripts can repeatedly deploy VMs with the same settings, saving time and reducing errors. Manually creating each VM is inefficient, voice commands are rarely reliable for this task, and changing names doesn't ensure consistent configurations.

8. Understanding Spot Virtual Machines

   Which statement best describes a spot virtual machine in cloud environments?

   1. It offers lower prices but may be evicted if resources are needed elsewhere
   2. It can never be deleted by the cloud provider
   3. It costs the same as a standard VM
   4. It guarantees constant availability for production workloads

   Explanation: Spot VMs provide cost savings by utilizing unused capacity, but they can be interrupted if higher-priority needs arise. Unlike regular VMs, they are not suitable for critical workloads requiring uninterrupted uptime, and they are not guaranteed to stay running.

9. Using VM Extensions

   What is the main benefit of using extensions with virtual machines?

   1. They enable automated management or configuration tasks post-deployment
   2. They are required to boot up a VM
   3. They double network speed
   4. They increase the physical memory of the machine

   Explanation: Extensions automate tasks like installing software or updating configurations after a VM is deployed. Extensions do not increase hardware resources such as memory or network speed and are not essential for basic VM operation.

10. Virtual Network Requirements

    Which resource must a virtual machine be connected to in order to communicate privately with other VMs in the same environment?

    1. A public DNS server
    2. A firewall rule
    3. A remote desktop session
    4. A virtual network

    Explanation: A virtual network enables private communication between VMs without exposing them publicly. Using a public DNS server or remote desktop is not sufficient for private connectivity. Firewall rules control access but do not provide the network itself.