Microsoft Azure - Improvements in Linux Virtual Machine

Azure provides an easy method of creating and accessing Linux Virtual Machines (VMs) with SSH Keys. It makes things simpler for you so that you can concentrate on your work instead of complicated setup.

In this article, you will learn the steps you need to create a Linux VM, generate SSH keys automatically, and access securely without complication.

What is a Linux Virtual Machine?

A Linux Virtual Machine (VM) is a simulation of a hardware computer that runs a Linux Operating System (OS) in software form. To put it simply, it's a virtual environment that lets you host Linux like you would a physical server. Virtual machines are capable of many things, ranging from running programs, web serving, and development environments, with the advantage of flexibility and scalability that could platforms such as Azure offer.

How to Create a Linux Virtual Machine in Azure and Connecting via SSH

Step 1: Create the Virtual Machine

• First, Go to the Azure Portal
• Select Create a resource and Choose Virtual Machine
• In the Configuration page, the only required input is the VM name. Azure automatically fills in most of the other details for you, making the process faster and more seamless.

Step 2: SSH Key Pair Generation

• Azure will automatically generates an SSH Key pair for your VM. This eliminates the need to manually generate keys using third-party tools or commands like ssh-keygen.
• You can also choose to use an existing SSH Key that is stored in Azure. Azure keeps your keys saved, so you can reuse them for future virtual machines.

Step 3: Download the Private Key

• When the virtual machine is created, Azure will prompt you to download the private key. This key will be used to connect to the VM later.
• Remember that the Public Key is saved securely in Azure, and you can use it to access the VM whenever you need.

Step 4: Access the VM Overview

• After the VM is deployed, you can view the VM Overview in the Azure portal.
• One helpful feature is the new tabs that organize information about your VM, making it easier to navigate and manage.

Step 5: Connect to the VM via SSH

• Go to the Connect section and click on SSH.
• The Only thing you need to do here is Provide the Path to your private key, which you downloaded earlier. Simply tell Azure where the key is located in your local machine.

Step 6: Copy and Paste the SSH Command

• Azure will give you an SSH command to connect to your VM.
• Copy the Command to your Clipboard
• Open your Command prompt, paste the command, and hit Enter.

Now, suppose that connection was not successful. Azure also has in-context troubleshooting options where you can test your SSH connection or use the Azure troubleshooter experience to figure out what else is going on, so you can effectively diagnose your connection and get ready to connect to your VM.

As you see, Azure has made it super easy to create a Linux VM SSH key on Azure. All you have to do is provide the virtual machine name and to connect to it, all you have to do is copy and paste one command.

Troubleshoot

• If the connection doesn't work, Azure has built-in troubleshooting tools.
• You can use Azure's in context troubleshooting to test your SSH connection and identify any issues.
• The Azure Troubleshooter will guide through diagnosing and fixing connection problems.