VM images and marketplace in Azure - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What is a VM image in Azure?

A VM image is a pre-configured template that contains an operating system and optional software. It helps you create virtual machines quickly with the same setup.

beginner

What is the Azure Marketplace?

Azure Marketplace is an online store where you can find and use ready-made VM images, applications, and services from Microsoft and partners.

beginner

How does using a VM image from the Azure Marketplace save time?

It saves time because you don’t have to install and configure software manually. The image already has everything set up for you.

intermediate

Can you customize a VM image after creating a VM from it?

Yes, after creating a VM from an image, you can install software, change settings, and then save a new custom image for future use.

intermediate

Why should you check licensing when using Marketplace VM images?

Because some images include paid software or licenses. You need to understand costs and terms before using them to avoid unexpected charges.

What does a VM image typically include?

A Only hardware specifications

B Operating system and pre-installed software

C User data and files

D Network settings only

A VM image contains the operating system and optionally pre-installed software to create a ready-to-use virtual machine.

Where can you find ready-made VM images in Azure?

A Azure Marketplace

B Azure Portal Settings

C Azure DevOps

D Azure Monitor

Azure Marketplace is the place to find and use ready-made VM images and applications.

What is a benefit of using Marketplace VM images?

A Manual OS installation required

B More expensive VMs

C Limited software options

D Faster VM deployment

Marketplace VM images speed up deployment by providing pre-configured setups.

Can you create your own custom VM image in Azure?

A Yes, by capturing an existing VM

B No, only Marketplace images are allowed

C Only Microsoft can create custom images

D Custom images are not supported

You can create custom images by capturing a configured VM for reuse.

Why is it important to review licensing on Marketplace images?

A Licensing only applies to hardware

B Licensing does not matter for images

C To avoid unexpected software costs

D Licenses are always free

Some Marketplace images include paid software, so reviewing licensing helps avoid surprise charges.

Explain what a VM image is and how it helps in creating virtual machines in Azure.

Think about how a template helps you avoid repeating setup steps.

Describe the Azure Marketplace and why it is useful for cloud users.

Imagine a shop where you pick ready-made tools instead of building from scratch.

Practice

1. What is the main purpose of using VM images in Azure?

easy

A. To monitor network traffic

B. To store data backups securely

C. To quickly create virtual machines with pre-installed software

D. To manage user permissions

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand VM images

   VM images are templates that include an operating system and software to create VMs quickly.

2. Step 2: Identify the main use

   They save time by avoiding manual setup of software on new VMs.

3. Final Answer:

   To quickly create virtual machines with pre-installed software -> Option C

4. Quick Check:

   VM images = quick VM setup [OK]

Hint: VM images = ready-made VMs for fast deployment [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Confusing VM images with data backups
• Thinking VM images manage network or permissions

2. Which Azure CLI command option specifies the VM image when creating a virtual machine?

easy

A. --image

B. --template-image

C. --os-image

D. --vm-image

Solution

1. Step 1: Recall Azure CLI VM creation syntax

   The option to specify the image is --image.

2. Step 2: Confirm correct option

   Other options like --vm-image or --os-image are incorrect or do not exist.

3. Final Answer:

   --image -> Option A

4. Quick Check:

   Use --image to set VM image [OK]

Hint: Use --image option to pick VM image in Azure CLI [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Using --vm-image or --os-image which are invalid
• Confusing image option with template options

3. What will happen if you run this Azure CLI command?

az vm create --resource-group myGroup --name myVM --image UbuntuLTS --admin-username azureuser

medium

A. Fails because the image name is incorrect

B. Creates a VM named myVM with the latest Ubuntu LTS image

C. Creates a VM but without an operating system

D. Creates a VM with Windows Server image

Solution

1. Step 1: Analyze the command parameters

   The command uses --image UbuntuLTS, which is a valid alias for the latest Ubuntu LTS image.

2. Step 2: Understand the effect

   The VM named myVM will be created in myGroup with Ubuntu OS and admin user azureuser.

3. Final Answer:

   Creates a VM named myVM with the latest Ubuntu LTS image -> Option B

4. Quick Check:

   UbuntuLTS image creates Ubuntu VM [OK]

Hint: UbuntuLTS is a valid image alias for Ubuntu VMs [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Assuming UbuntuLTS is invalid image name
• Thinking VM will have Windows OS
• Believing VM will be created without OS

4. You tried to create a VM with this command:

az vm create --resource-group myGroup --name myVM --image Ubuntu --admin-username azureuser

The command failed with an error about the image name. What is the likely cause?

medium

A. The admin username is invalid

B. The VM name contains invalid characters

C. The resource group does not exist

D. The image name 'Ubuntu' is not a valid marketplace image alias

Solution

1. Step 1: Check the image name validity

   'Ubuntu' alone is not a valid image alias; the correct alias is 'UbuntuLTS' or a full image reference.

2. Step 2: Confirm other parameters

   The admin username, resource group, and VM name are likely valid or would cause different errors.

3. Final Answer:

   The image name 'Ubuntu' is not a valid marketplace image alias -> Option D

4. Quick Check:

   Use correct image alias like UbuntuLTS [OK]

Hint: Use exact image aliases like UbuntuLTS, not partial names [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Assuming admin username caused error
• Ignoring image name format rules
• Not verifying resource group existence

5. You want to deploy a VM using a custom image from the Azure Marketplace that requires accepting terms before use. Which step must you perform before creating the VM?

hard

A. Run az vm image accept-terms for the image publisher, offer, and SKU

B. Create a resource group with the same name as the image

C. Manually download the image to your local machine

D. Disable the Azure Marketplace in your subscription

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand Marketplace image terms

   Some Marketplace images require accepting terms before use to comply with licensing.

2. Step 2: Use Azure CLI to accept terms

   You must run az vm image accept-terms with the image details to accept terms before VM creation.

3. Final Answer:

   Run az vm image accept-terms for the image publisher, offer, and SKU -> Option A

4. Quick Check:

   Accept terms before using Marketplace images [OK]

Hint: Accept Marketplace image terms with az vm image accept-terms [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Skipping terms acceptance causing deployment failure
• Trying to download images manually
• Disabling Marketplace instead of accepting terms