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Labs

Getting Started with Azure Templates

In this lab, we use the Azure Portal to examine the components that make up an Azure QuickStart virtual machine template to gain a better understanding of the JSON template file structure.

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Labs

Path Info

Level
Clock icon Beginner
Duration
Clock icon 30m
Last updated
Clock icon Aug 27, 2025

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Table of Contents

  1. Challenge

    Access the Azure Portal

    Launch the Azure Portal:

    1. Open an incognito or private browser.
    2. Launch the lab.
    3. Use the supplied username and password to connect.

  2. Challenge

    Run the Windows Server 2016 Datacenter Quickstart Template

    1. Instead of going into the Marketplace, select Virtual Machines and Create, Virtual Machine.
    2. Choose "Windows Server 2016 Datacenter - Gen 1"
    3. Supply a virtual machine name.
    4. Supply a username and password.
    5. Complete the steps to finish the template.
    6. Download the template.

  3. Challenge

    Questions: Identify the Azure Templates Components

    Try to answer the following questions:

    • What is the schema and version?
    • How many parameters are there?
    • How many variables are there?
    • Where would one change the name of the virtual network?
    • How many resources make up a Windows 2016 quickstart VM?
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Pluralsight Skills

Pluralsight Skills gives leaders confidence they have the skills needed to execute technology strategy. Technology teams can benchmark expertise across roles, speed up release cycles and build reliable, secure products. By leveraging our expert content, skill assessments and one-of-a-kind analytics, keep up with the pace of change, put the right people on the right projects and boost productivity. It's the most effective path to developing tech skills at scale.

What's a lab?

Hands-on Labs are real environments created by industry experts to help you learn. These environments help you gain knowledge and experience, practice without compromising your system, test without risk, destroy without fear, and let you learn from your mistakes. Hands-on Labs: practice your skills before delivering in the real world.

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We will provide the credentials and environment necessary for you to practice right within your browser.

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Follow along with the author’s guided walkthrough and build something new in your provided environment!

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On average, you retain 75% more of your learning if you get time for practice.
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