Azure Pricing

 

• Azure offers pay-as-you-go and reserved instances for pricing.
• Azure Pricing Factors:
  • Resource size and resource type.
  • Different Azure locations have different prices for services.
  • The bandwidth of your services.
  • Any data transfer between two different billing zones is charged.
    • Ingress (data in) = free
    • Egress (data out) = charged based on data going out of Azure datacenters
• Factors that can reduce costs:
  • By purchasing a reserved instance (one-year or three-year terms), you can significantly reduce costs up to 72 percent compared to pay-as-you-go pricing.
  • A reserved capacity is a commitment for a period of one or three years for SQL Database and SQL Managed Instance.
  • Hybrid Benefit allows you to use your on-premises Software Assurance-enabled Windows Server and SQL Server licenses on Azure.
  • If you purchase an unused compute capacity, you can get deep discounts up to 90 percent compared to pay-as-you-go pricing. A spot virtual machine is for workloads that can tolerate interruptions.
• All resources belong to a subscription.
  • An Azure account can have multiple subscriptions.
  • Organize your resources and subscriptions using Azure management groups.
• Azure Cost Management gives you a detailed view of current and projected costs.
• For new accounts, the Azure Free Tier is available.

• • • Free Tier offers limited usage of Azure products at no charge for 12 months.
    • You also get $200 credit that you can spend during the first 30 days.
    • More details at https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/free/
  • Estimate your expected monthly costs using Azure Pricing Calculator.
• Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) Calculator
• Estimate total savings over a period of time by using Azure.
• Compares costs and savings against on-premises and co-location environments.
• Azure Support Plans:
  • Basic – included for all Azure customers.
  • Developer – recommended for non-production environments. Limited access to technical support during business hours by email only.
  • Standard – appropriate for production workload environments. Has 24/7 access to Azure’s technical support engineers by phone or email.
  • Professional Direct – suitable for business-critical workloads. Has 24/7 access to Azure’s technical support engineers by phone or email. Provides access to Operations Support, ProDirect delivery managers, and Support APIs.

Service Level Agreement (SLA)

• It is the commitment of Microsoft for the uptime and connectivity of a service.
• You could obtain a service credit if the service level agreement is not met by Microsoft.
• Composite SLAs include several resources (with different availability levels) to support an application.
• SLAs for multi-region deployments distribute the application in more than one region for high availability and use Azure Traffic Manager for failover if one region fails.

Service Lifecycle

• Private Preview is only available to a few customers for early access to new technologies and features.
• Public Preview makes the service in the public phase and can be used by any customers to evaluate the new features but SLA does not apply.
• General Availability is the release of service to the general public and is fully supported by SLAs.
• Azure updates allow you to get the latest updates on any Azure products and features.

Azure cmdlets required for day today work

# Force policies to start , will take around 15minutes 

Start-AzPolicyComplianceScan -ResourceGroupName "cloud*"

#Delete az resources

Get-AzResourceGroup -Name 'Ne*' | Remove-AzResourceGroup -Force -AsJob

#Policy Related

Get-AzPolicyDefinition | Where-Object { $_.Properties.DisplayName -eq "Allowed virtual machine size SKUs" }

New-AzPolicyAssignment -Name "VMCheckingRule" -DisplayName "Checking the Rule" -Scope $rg1.Resourceid -PolicyDefinition $def

#Create new resources Group

New-AzResourceGroup -Name "MyNewRG" -Location "East US"

Get-AzResourceGroup -Name "MyNewRG"

#Check PS Version

Get-Host | Select-Object Version

#Conncet local machine to AZ portal

Install-Module -Name Az -AllowClobber -Repository PSGallery -Force

Connect-AzAccount

#new Resource group

New-AzResourceGroup -Name "NewTest" -Location "East US"

#Create Vertual Machine

New-AzVM -ResourceGroupName "NewTest" -Name "MyVM1" -Location "East US" -VirtualNetworkName "VMnet1" -SubnetName "sub1" -SecurityGroupName "NewSG" -PublicIPAddressName "myIpaddress" -OpenPorts "3389"

#Stop the VM

Stop-AzVM -ResourceGroupName "NewTest" -Name "MyVM1"

#Start the VM

Start-AzVM -ResourceGroupName "NewTest" -Name "MyVM1"

#Install Web-Server & display Hellow world

powershell.exe Install-WindowsFeature -name Web-Server -IncludeManagementTools && powershell.exe remove-item 'C:\\inetpub\\wwwroot\\iisstart.htm' && powershell.exe Add-Content -Path 'C:\\inetpub\\wwwroot\\iisstart.htm' -Value $('Hello World from ' + $env:computername

#Crete New Z: disk on VM

New-StoragePool -FriendlyName storagepool1 -StorageSubsystemFriendlyName "Windows Storage*" -PhysicalDisks (Get-PhysicalDisk -CanPool $true)

New-VirtualDisk -StoragePoolFriendlyName storagepool1 -FriendlyName virtualdisk1 -Size 2046GB -ResiliencySettingName Simple -ProvisioningType Fixed

Initialize-Disk -VirtualDisk (Get-VirtualDisk -FriendlyName virtualdisk1)

New-Partition -DiskNumber 4 -UseMaximumSize -DriveLetter Z

#GetVM Public ip adress

(Get-AzPublicIpAddress -ResourceGroupName $rgName -Name $lbpipName).IpAddress

#Create a managed image of a generalized VM in Azure

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/virtual-machines/windows/capture-image-resource#code-try-1

#Get azure avaialable image list

az vm image list --output table

#redeploy a VM

Set-AzureRmVm -Redeploy -ResourceGroupName NewTest -Name MyVM1 

AWS Certified SysOps Administrator Associate by Ucertify.com

I was offered a 30 day evaluation for AWS Certified SysOps Administrator Associate by Ucertify.com & here is my review 

I can say it was worth the time I spent using this resource, The course uses the AWS official study guide for the course material and does a very good job of covering all of the domains,

I have listed down the lessons available from Ucertify to fulfill our requirements.

Lesson 1 provides an overview of the AWS cloud services covered on the AWS Certified SysOps Administrator

Lesson 2 provides Working with AWS Cloud Services. This lesson shows you how to configure your workstation to work with AWS cloud services.

Lesson 3 provides Security and AWS Identity and Access Management (IAM). In this lesson, you will learn about the Shared Responsibility Model and the different layers of security. You will learn how to secure your systems with services such as AWS Key Management Service (AWS KMS), AWS Hard Security Module (AWS HSM), Security Groups, and Network Access Control Lists (nACLs). Furthermore, the lesson covers AWS Identity and Access Management (IAM) and Security Best Practices.

Lesson 4 provides how to use the compute stack on AWS. The topics covered are Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud (Amazon EC2), AWS Lambda, AWS Beanstalk, Amazon Elastic Container Service (Amazon ECS), Amazon Lightsail, and AWS Batch. You will provision an Amazon EC2 instance, assign an Amazon EC2 Role, and work with instance metadata.

Lesson 5 provides how to deploy Amazon Virtual Private Cloud (Amazon VPC) and the various methods to connect to your Amazon VPC. Additionally. you will learn how to use the Elastic Load Balancing service, Amazon Route 53. and Amazon CloudFront.

Lesson 6 provides Storage Systems,  deploying and using the various storage options on AWS. The services covered include: Amazon Simple Storage Service (Amazon S3), Amazon Elastic File Service (Amazon EFS), Amazon Elastic Block Service (Amazon EBS), the Amazon EC2 instance store Volumes, Amazon Glacier, AWS Snowball, and AWS Snowmobile.

Lesson 7 provides Databases, This covers the use of AWS managed database services: Amazon Relational Database Service (Amazon RDS), Amazon DynamoDB, Amazon Redshift, and Amazon ElastiCache. You will learn how these managed services simplify the setup and operation of relational databases, NoSQL databases, data warehouses, and in-memory caches.

Lesson 8 provides Application Deployment and Management,  This lesson focuses on the various methods of deployment of applications and infrastructure; for example, blue/green and rolling deployments. You will learn about AWS OpsWorks, AWS Elastic Beanstalk, Amazon EC2 Container Service, and AWS CloudFormation.

Lesson 9 provides Monitoring and Metrics. In this lesson, you will learn about how to monitor your environment with Amazon CloudWatch, AWS CloudTrail, AWS Config, AWS Trusted Advisor, and AWS Service Health Dashboard.

Lesson 10 provides High Availability. This lesson covers high availability on AWS. You will be introduced to decoupling strategies using Amazon Simple Queue Service (Amazon SQS) and Amazon Simple Notification Service (Amazon SNS). The lesson covers deploying your application to multiple Availability Zones and Multiple AWS Regions. Other high availability topics include Auto Scaling, failover with Amazon Route 53, and redundant VPN and AWS Direct Connect connections.

Apart from these lessons, this will guide you through the exam objectives, Pre assessments, performance Labs, Practice Tests & post assessments. Therefore, adding value and hands-on components to training & course materials does a very good job.

I must say this is well organized & it has all the tools which require you to get hands-on experience & it will really help you to get certified within a short time.

Course URL: https://www.ucertify.com/exams/SOA-C01.html

Installing Nano Server Step by Step

1. Download the Nano Server Image Builder at Microsoft’s website (Download Center) by clicking the Download button.

   

   Nano Server Image Builder

2. A file named NanoServerImageBuilder.msi will be created. Double-click on the file. If an Open File Security Warning Dialog box appears, click the Run button.
3. The Nano Server Image Builder Setup wizard will begin. Click Next at the intro screen.
4. At the Licensing screen, click the I accept the terms checkbox and click Next.
5. At the Destination Folder screen, choose the directory where you want to install the Nano Server Image Builder files . Click Next.

   

   Nano Server Image Builder Destination

6. At the Ready to Install screen, click the Install Button. If a User Account Control box appears, click the Yes button.
7. Once the Installation is complete, click the Finish Button.
8. Open Windows Explorer and go to the destination folder that you chose in step 5. Double-click the NanoServerImageBuilder.exe file. If a UAC dialog box appears, click Yes.
9. For the Image Builder to work, you must also download the Windows ADK kit. This can be done at Hardware Dev Center. Click the get Windows ADK Download button.
10. It will ask you if you want to run or save the file. I saved the file to the same destination folder as the Nano Server Image Builder. Once it’s downloaded, double-click the adksetup.exe file. If a dialog box appears, click Run.
11. Specify the destination of where you want the Windows ADK files to install and click Next.
12. At the Windows Kit Privacy screen, you can choose either option. By choosing Yes, you will participate in Microsoft’s feedback program. For this exercise, I chose No. Click Next.
13. At the License Agreement screen, click Accept.
14. At the Features screen, accept the defaults and click Install. If a UAC screen appears, click Yes.
15. After the installation is complete, click the Close button.
16. Double-click on the NanoServerImageBuilder.exe file. When the UAC screen appears, click Yes.
17. So we now have the ability to create a Nano Server image or a bootable USB. We are going to create an Image. So click on the top choice “Create a new Nano Server image” .

    

    Nano Server Image Choice

18. At the Before you begin screen, click Next.
19. At the Select Installation Media screen, point the folder to your Windows Server 2016 installation files where the NanoServer Folder resides. Click Next.
20. At the License agreement screen, click the box that states I have read and agree to the terms. Then click Next.
21. At the Deployment type screen. I am going to choose to create a Virtual machine image . I am keeping the default of 8 GB and I am placing the VHD in my Win 2016 Nano Server folder . Click Next.

    

     Deployment Type

22. At the Basic Installation screen, click Next.
23. At the Select Optional Packages screen, you can choose any other options you want to install like DNS, IIS, etc. I am just going to click Next.
24. At the Drivers screen, add any drivers that may be needed for your installation and click Next.
25. Next the Destination screen will appear. Here is where you will enter the name of the computer and the Administrator’s password. Make sure your Time Zone is correct and click Next.
26. At this time, I am not going to join a domain. So I am just going to click Next.
27. I will leave the default network settings and click Next.
28. At the Advanced Configuration Screen, I am going to choose the top option “Create a Basic Nano Server Image” 

    

    Advanced Configuration Screen

29. After you click the link, it will automatically take you to a Confirmation screen. Just click the Create button.
30. Once the image is complete, click the Close button.
31. Open Windows Explorer and go to the folder where you created the VHD (see Figure 1.16). Make sure the VHD (My VHD is named Pluto.vhd) has been created. You can now run this VHD in Microsoft Hyper-V.

    

Stop Annoying Beep Sound When Connecting Power Source - ACER 4740 - Win 7

Stop Annoying Beep Sound When Connecting Power Source - ACER 4740 - Win 7

The problem is the Realtek Audio Drivers. Windows doesn't have a sound for the event so it supplies the old-school default beep.

Go to Device Manager>Sound, Video & Game Controllers> and uninstall the Realtek device (choose to delete the drivers as well). Then click "Scan for HW changes" and let the Windows default driver install.

MCSA Windows Server 2016 from uCertify

MCSA 70-740 :

The MCSA 70-740 Installation, Storage, and Compute with Windows Server 2016 certification exam verifies candidate's fundamental knowledge and skills of working with the Windows Server 2016. Microsoft MCSA 70-740 exam is designed for candidates who want to build their career in the Windows Server domain and enables them to utilize Windows Server to manage the IT infrastructure. The Microsoft 70-740 exam involves individuals in installation, storage, and computing functionalities accessible in Windows Server 2016.

Preparing for the exam: 

Why uCertify :

Prepare for the Microsoft MCSA 70-740 certification exam with the MCSA Windows Server 2016 course and lab. The lab can be mapped to any course, textbook, or training, therefore, adding value and hands-on components to training. 

The course and lab will help you master the skills required to install, upgrade, and migrate servers; create and manage images; implement server storage; install and configure Hyper-V; manage windows containers; maintain and monitor server installations, and more.

I must say this is well organized & it has all the tools which require you to get hands-on experience & it will really help you to get certify within a short time 

In the beginning of this course you will have a pre assessment test to check your current knowledge in server 2016. So this is a definite advantage to you to check where you are at the moment so you can prepare according to your current knowledge.

When you move through the chapters & lessons you will get well organised content & this includes video tutorials, cards, quizzes & labs as well. The materials is sorted according to the Microsoft outlines so students will learn the same way of the real certification materials and on each topic

The most important part of this course is the LAB where you will able to get your hands dirty.

You can work with the virtual machines on your desktop just like how you would work it on your virtual machine or your real hardware. It's a big advantage for those who can't afford to install virtual machines on their machines or need some time to getting familiar with windows server before installing it on their own machines.

Last one is practice tests where you can test your knowledge to 180 questions simulated test environments. Your goal is to master them all, but keeping it at your pace. You can stop at any time and continue later when you have time.

Overall, i'm happy with this prep kit. uCertify has done a great job on preparing students to prepare themselves to get MCSA certified with their excellent prepkit. I would suggest you to take this course seriously if you are considering to plunge into Server side.

Link: https://www.ucertify.com/exams/Microsoft/70-740.html

HTC U ULTRA - Unlocking Your Bootloader

Unlocking Your Bootloader

First manually enable OEM unlocking in Developer options in order to allow the bootloader to be unlocked

Login to the https://www.htcdev.com/bootloader/ & create a account & log int to the dev site.

you have to select the phone model from here

since HTC U Ultra is not listed there you have to go with the All Other Suported Model option

Click on begin to unlock your boot loader & click yes

Make sure to download android SDK & Java runtime & usb drivers before proceed

Step 1

After powering down, press Volume Down and while pressing Volume Down, press Power holding both buttons to start the device into Bootloader mode (now Download mode for One M9 and newer devices). If you have difficulty, power up normally, go to Settings->Battery and deselect Fast boot. Power down and try again.

Step 2

Use the Volume buttons to select up or down. Highlight Fastboot and press the Power button.

NOTE: All new HTC devices shipped since One M9 support download mode instead of bootloader mode for this step. And for select HTC devices with Android Lollipop and all devices that receive Marshmallow, you will need to first manually enable OEM unlocking in Developer options in order to allow the bootloader to be unlocked and proceed with the next steps. To access the OEM unlocking setting on your device, open the Developer options in the system Settings. On Android 4.2 and higher, the Developer options screen is hidden by default. To make it visible, go to Settings > About > Software information > More and tap Build number seven times. Return to the Settings screen to find Developer options and check OEM unlocking

Step 3

Connect the device to the computer via a usb cable

Step 4

Download these bineries from the below link

https://www.htcdev.com/process/legal_fastboot_win <- for Windows computer

https://www.htcdev.com/process/legal_fastboot_mac <- For Mac computer

Step 5

Open a command Prompt: Windows: Start->"cmd" Mac: Applications->Utilities->Terminal.app Linux: Terminal

Type in Command Prompt: fastboot oem get_identifier_token

PS: If this doesn't work you have to set android environment variables in your PC correctly

Step 6

You will see a long block of text. Copy and paste this text into the the token field below (in the Windows command prompt: Right Click > Mark > highlight the block of text > Right click to copy. Mac users can use cmd-option to mark and select text.).

You will see one of the following :

When copying the token, start with this line:

<<<< Identifier Token Start >>>> 

And end with this line:

<<<<< Identifier Token End >>>>> 

(Note: Only copy the highlighted sections above. Do not copy the INFO or (bootloader) prefix)

Step 7

Paste this string of text into the token field and hit Submit in order to receive your unlock code binary file. You will receive this information in your email.

Submit the toke to below link 

https://www.htcdev.com/bootloader/unlock-instructions/page-2#

you will get a email from HTC dev with a unique token

Step 8

You will receive an email with the attachment: Unlock_code.bin. Save this file in the same folder as your fastboot files (For Example: C:\Android).

If, after a short period of time, you have not yet received the mail, or you have received an email from HTC, but does not contain an attached file, it is possible that more stringent spam filters and anti-virus programs will block this mail or attachment.

In order to ensure that you receive the email with the attachment, we suggest you consider using a non-corporate email server as corporate servers tend to have more stringent attachment policies. If you have not received the email at all, please check your spam folder in your email client to check if the email was filtered out.

Step 9

In the command prompt type: fastboot flash unlocktoken Unlock_code.bin. In the command prompt you will see the following message:

Step 10

On your phone you will now see the disclaimer. Please read this carefully as this action may void your warranty. Use the Volume buttons to highlight your choice, and the Power button to make your selection. If you select Yes, your phone will be reset to its’ factory default settings, and your bootloader will be unlocked. If you select No, your phone will reboot and no modifications will have been made.

Step 11

To re-lock your bootloader, in the command prompt, type: fastboot oem lock.

Note: This will not restore the factory default lock, but will simply re-lock the bootloader so no further changes can be made. Furthermore, if you want to unlock your bootloader again, simply repeat step 9 with your original unlock key file to unlock your phone again.

You're Ready To Go!

Congratulations! You have successfully unlocked your bootloader. Browse this site for further sample codes, examples, and tips.

Credits (ref): https://www.htcdev.com