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Azurecloud~5 mins

Azure free account and credits - Commands & Configuration

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Introduction
Creating a free Azure account gives you access to cloud services without upfront cost. You get credits to try services and learn how Azure works safely.
When you want to explore Azure cloud services without paying.
When you need to test a small app or service on Azure temporarily.
When you want to learn cloud computing basics using real tools.
When you want to try Azure features before committing to a paid plan.
When you want to build a proof of concept with limited resources.
Commands
This command shows details of your current Azure account, including subscription and credit status.
Terminal
az account show
Expected OutputExpected
{ "id": "/subscriptions/12345678-1234-1234-1234-123456789abc", "name": "Free Trial", "state": "Enabled", "tenantId": "abcdef12-3456-7890-abcd-ef1234567890", "user": { "name": "user@example.com", "type": "user" } }
This command lists your recent Azure resource usage to help track how your free credits are being spent.
Terminal
az consumption usage list --top 5
Expected OutputExpected
[ { "id": "/subscriptions/12345678-1234-1234-1234-123456789abc/providers/Microsoft.Compute/virtualMachines/myVM", "usageStart": "2024-06-01T00:00:00Z", "usageEnd": "2024-06-01T01:00:00Z", "quantity": 1, "unit": "Hours" }, { "id": "/subscriptions/12345678-1234-1234-1234-123456789abc/providers/Microsoft.Storage/storageAccounts/mystorage", "usageStart": "2024-06-01T00:00:00Z", "usageEnd": "2024-06-01T01:00:00Z", "quantity": 5, "unit": "GB" } ]
→
--top - Limits the number of usage records returned
This command lists all Azure subscriptions linked to your account in a readable table format.
Terminal
az account list --output table
Expected OutputExpected
Name CloudName SubscriptionId State IsDefault ------------- ----------- ---------------------------------- ------- --------- Free Trial AzureCloud 12345678-1234-1234-1234-123456789abc Enabled True
→
--output - Formats the output for easier reading
Key Concept

If you remember nothing else, remember: Azure free accounts give you credits to safely explore cloud services without paying upfront.

Common Mistakes
Trying to use Azure services without activating the free account.
Services won't run because the subscription is not active or lacks credits.
Complete the free account signup and verify your subscription is enabled before using services.
Ignoring credit usage and running out of free credits unexpectedly.
Services stop working or start charging you once credits run out.
Regularly check usage with commands like 'az consumption usage list' to monitor credit spending.
Summary
Use 'az account show' to check your Azure free account status and subscription details.
Use 'az consumption usage list' to monitor how your free credits are being used.
Use 'az account list --output table' to see all your Azure subscriptions clearly.

Practice

(1/5)
1. What is the initial credit amount provided by an Azure free account for new users?
easy
A. $300 credits for 15 days
B. $100 credits for 60 days
C. $200 credits for 30 days
D. $50 credits for 90 days

Solution

  1. Step 1: Understand Azure free account benefits

    Azure free account offers a credit amount to new users to try services without cost.

  2. Step 2: Recall the exact credit and duration

    The free account provides $200 credits valid for 30 days after signup.

  3. Final Answer:

    $200 credits for 30 days -> Option C

  4. Quick Check:

    Azure free account credit = $200 for 30 days [OK]
Hint: Remember $200 credit lasts 30 days for new Azure accounts [OK]
Common Mistakes:
  • Confusing credit amount with other cloud providers
  • Mixing up credit duration with 12-month free services
  • Assuming credits renew automatically after 30 days
2. Which of the following statements correctly describes the Azure free account signup process?
easy
A. You must provide a credit card to verify your identity, but you won't be charged initially.
B. You can sign up anonymously without any payment method.
C. You must pay a small fee to activate the free account.
D. You need to provide a phone number only, no credit card required.

Solution

  1. Step 1: Review Azure signup requirements

    Azure requires a credit card to verify identity during free account signup.

  2. Step 2: Confirm no initial charges

    The credit card is for verification only; no charges occur unless you upgrade.

  3. Final Answer:

    You must provide a credit card to verify your identity, but you won't be charged initially. -> Option A

  4. Quick Check:

    Credit card required for verification, no initial charge [OK]
Hint: Azure needs credit card for signup but no immediate charge [OK]
Common Mistakes:
  • Thinking signup is anonymous without payment info
  • Assuming a fee is required to activate free account
  • Believing phone number alone is enough for signup
3. After signing up for an Azure free account, which of these services remains free for 12 months?
medium
A. Azure Active Directory Premium
B. Unlimited SQL Database storage
C. All Azure services without limits
D. Virtual Machines with 750 hours monthly

Solution

  1. Step 1: Identify free services duration

    Azure free account offers some services free for 12 months after signup.

  2. Step 2: Recall specific free service limits

    Virtual Machines are free up to 750 hours monthly for 12 months; other options are incorrect.

  3. Final Answer:

    Virtual Machines with 750 hours monthly -> Option D

  4. Quick Check:

    VMs free 750 hours/month for 12 months [OK]
Hint: Remember 750 VM hours free monthly for 12 months [OK]
Common Mistakes:
  • Assuming all services are free without limits
  • Confusing SQL Database free tier with unlimited storage
  • Thinking Azure AD Premium is free in the trial
4. You signed up for an Azure free account but see a message saying your $200 credit expired after 30 days. What is the likely cause?
medium
A. You used all $200 credits before 30 days
B. You did not upgrade to a paid subscription after 30 days
C. You signed up with an invalid email
D. You did not verify your phone number

Solution

  1. Step 1: Understand credit expiration rules

    Azure free credits expire 30 days after signup regardless of usage.

  2. Step 2: Identify upgrade requirement

    To continue using services after 30 days, you must upgrade to a paid subscription.

  3. Final Answer:

    You did not upgrade to a paid subscription after 30 days -> Option B

  4. Quick Check:

    Credits expire after 30 days without upgrade [OK]
Hint: Upgrade subscription to continue after 30 days [OK]
Common Mistakes:
  • Assuming credits expire only when fully used
  • Blaming email or phone verification for credit expiry
  • Thinking credits renew automatically monthly
5. You want to maximize your Azure free account benefits. Which strategy correctly uses both the $200 credit and the 12-month free services?
hard
A. Use $200 credit for paid services first, then use 12-month free services after credit expires
B. Use 12-month free services first, then spend $200 credit on other services
C. Spend $200 credit only on 12-month free services to extend their free period
D. Ignore $200 credit and rely only on 12-month free services

Solution

  1. Step 1: Understand credit and free service timelines

    $200 credit lasts 30 days; 12-month free services last longer but have usage limits.

  2. Step 2: Plan usage to maximize benefits

    Use $200 credit for services not covered by 12-month free tier first, then use free services after credit expires.

  3. Final Answer:

    Use $200 credit for paid services first, then use 12-month free services after credit expires -> Option A

  4. Quick Check:

    Spend credit first, then use 12-month free services [OK]
Hint: Spend credit first, then use free 12-month services [OK]
Common Mistakes:
  • Trying to extend free services by spending credit on them
  • Ignoring credit and missing early trial benefits
  • Using free services before credit, losing paid service trial
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