AZ-900 (Microsoft Azure Fundamentals) Study Guide

Section 1: Introduction & Cloud Concepts

1. Introduction to AZ-900 & Study Guide Overview
   • Overview of the AZ-900 exam
   • How to use this study guide for maximum benefit
   • Tips for exam preparation and time management
2. Understanding Cloud Computing
   • What is Cloud Computing?
   • Benefits and key characteristics of the cloud
   • Common cloud service models: IaaS, PaaS, SaaS
   • Detailed Comparison between: IaaS, PaaS, SaaS
3. Cloud Deployment Models
   • Public, Private, and Hybrid Clouds
   • Advantages and disadvantages of each model
   • How Azure implements these models

Section 2: Core Azure Services

4. Overview of Azure Architecture
   • Introduction to Azure’s global infrastructure
   • How Azure’s architecture supports scalability and reliability
5. Azure Compute Services
   • Virtual Machines (VMs) and their use cases
   • Azure App Services and Function Apps (serverless computing)
   • Container services: Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS) and Container Instances
6. Azure Storage Services
   • Different storage options: Blob, Disk, File, and Queue Storage
   • Key features like redundancy, scalability, and performance
7. Azure Database Services
   • Overview of Azure SQL Database, Cosmos DB, and other data services
   • Comparison of relational and NoSQL databases
   • Benefits of managed database services in Azure
8. Azure Networking Fundamentals
   • Virtual Networks (VNets) and subnets
   • VPN Gateway, ExpressRoute, and connectivity options
   • Load Balancers and Traffic Manager for high availability

Section 3: Core Solutions and Management Tools on Azure

9. Azure Portal, CLI, and PowerShell
   • Navigating the Azure Portal
   • Introduction to Azure CLI and PowerShell for automation
   • Best practices for managing Azure resources
10. Azure Resource Manager (ARM) and Management Groups
    • How ARM works and its benefits
    • Organizing resources using Resource Groups
    • Introduction to Management Groups and their importance
11. Monitoring and Diagnostics in Azure
    • Overview of Azure Monitor, Log Analytics, and Application Insights
    • Best practices for proactive monitoring

Section 4: General Security and Network Security Features

12. Fundamentals of Azure Security
    • The shared responsibility model in Azure
    • Overview of Azure Security Center
13. Azure Network Security
    • Role of Network Security Groups (NSGs)
    • Azure Firewall and DDoS Protection
14. Advanced Security Tools
    • Introduction to Azure Sentinel for threat detection
    • Overview of identity protection features

Section 5: Identity, Governance, Privacy, and Compliance

15. Azure Active Directory (Azure AD) Essentials
    • Basics of identity management with Azure AD
    • Key features: Single Sign-On, Multi-Factor Authentication, and self-service password reset
16. Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) and Identity Management
    • Understanding RBAC and its importance
    • Best practices for secure identity management
17. Azure Governance and Policy Management
    • Overview of Azure Policies and Blueprints
    • How to enforce compliance across your resources
    • Tools for managing and auditing governance
18. Privacy and Compliance in Azure
    • Understanding privacy in the cloud
    • Key compliance certifications: GDPR, HIPAA, etc.
    • How Azure meets industry and government standards

Section 6: Azure Pricing, SLA, and Lifecycle

19. Understanding Azure Pricing
    • Overview of Azure’s pricing models
    • Tips for optimizing your Azure spending
20. Service Level Agreements (SLAs) in Azure
    • What are SLAs and why are they important?
    • How Azure SLAs work across different services
    • Strategies for ensuring high availability and reliability