AZ-104 Microsoft Azure Administrator Practice Tests

Based on the detailed breakdown of tasks, here's a study plan that aligns with the Microsoft Azure exam DP-203: Designing and Implementing Compute Solutions on Microsoft Azure. This plan is structured to cover each topic thoroughly, ensuring you have a comprehensive understanding of the material.

Week 1-2: Azure Fundamentals and Core Services

• Azure Architecture Overview
  • Understand Azure's global architecture: regions, availability zones, resource groups
• Compute Resources
  • VM sizes, images, and disks
  • Azure Compute Gallery
• VM Extensions and Templates
  • Create and deploy using ARM templates
  • Deploy VM extensions

Week 3-4: Virtual Machine Configuration

• Create and Configure VMs
  • Set up a VM, manage sizes, and add data disks
  • Configure OS settings (e.g., disabling password expiration)
• VM Availability Options
  • Understand and configure VM availability sets, availability zones
• VM Scale Sets
  • Deploy and configure scale sets for scalability and load balancing

Week 5-6: Containers and Kubernetes

• Container Instances and Azure Container Apps
  • Configure sizing and scaling for ACI, create ACA
• Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS)
  • Set up a Kubernetes cluster, configure storage, scaling, networking, and upgrade the cluster
• App Service
  • Create an App Service plan, configure scaling, security, custom domains, backup, and deployment settings

Week 7-8: Virtual Networking

• Configure Virtual Networks
  • Create virtual networks and subnets, configure routes and DNS
• Security
  • NSGs, ASGs, Azure Bastion, service endpoints, and private endpoints
• Load Balancing
  • Configure Application Gateway and internal/public load balancers

Week 9: Monitoring and Maintenance

• Monitoring with Azure Monitor
  • Metrics, logs, alerts, and actions; VM insights for monitoring VMs, storage accounts, and networks
• Backup and Recovery
  • Create a Recovery Services vault, set up a Backup vault, configure backup policies, perform backups and restores
• Site Recovery
  • Configure Azure Site Recovery for Azure resources, perform failover operations

Week 10-12: Review and Practice

• Review All Topics
  • Go through each topic again, focusing on areas that were challenging initially
• Practice with Hands-On Labs
  • Use Microsoft Learn modules and Azure hands-on labs to reinforce concepts and gain practical experience
• Simulate Exam Conditions
  • Take practice tests to familiarize yourself with the exam format and to identify any knowledge gaps

Continuous Learning:

• Stay Updated with Azure Updates
  • Follow Azure updates to stay informed about new features or changes that may affect the exam
• Engage with the Community
  • Participate in forums, join Azure user groups, and attend webinars
• Real-World Application
  • If possible, apply these concepts to a real project or lab environment to deepen your understanding

Additional Tips:

• Use Official Documentation: Always refer to the official Microsoft documentation for accurate and up-to-date information.
• Join Study Groups: Engage with others preparing for the same exam to share knowledge and resources.
• Stay Flexible: Be prepared to adapt your study plan based on feedback from practice tests or changes in Azure services.

Remember that consistent studying, practical application, and repeated review of each topic are key to success on the DP-203 exam. Good luck!