In this context, a golden image refers to a pre-configured base image of an operating system with software installed, configured, and set up in a specific way that forms the starting point for further deployments. The creation of this image is a crucial step when preparing for the Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop exam, AZ-140.
The process of creating a golden image manually is straightforward but comes with its set of challenges and intricacies.
This post will explain how to manually create a golden image, which forms an essential requirement for the AZ-140 exam. However, before diving into the process details, it’s critical to familiarize ourselves with the key points:
- Golden Images are often used in Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) to standardize the configuration of multiple machines.
- Azure Image Builder, a managed service, also provides simplified image creation, but creating golden images manually grants fine-grained control.
Getting started: Download and install a desktop operating system
Our first step is to decide on the operating system image we want to use as our base. For example, suppose we choose a Windows 10 Enterprise multi-session version available in the Azure Marketplace. We then create and configure a Virtual Machine (VM) off this base image, install our needed applications, perform required configurations for customization, and finally, generalize the VM to create a golden image.
Step-by-step process to create the Golden Image
- Creating and configuring the VM: Start by creating a VM using the Azure portal, Azure CLI (Command Line Interface), or PowerShell. Ensure to select a size that accommodates the requirements of both the applications and workloads you plan to run.
- Installing software and applications: Post VM setup; it’s time to install the necessary applications for your users. These could be productivity apps, custom apps, plugins, or even drivers required by your business.
- Customizing OS settings: Often, you might want to create a personalized and branded environment for your users. This step can involve tweaking various OS settings such as backgrounds, screensavers, or taskbar configurations.
- Final system preparation before the image capture: Having our system provisioned and configured, the last step before we can capture our golden image is to run the Sysprep tool. This tool prepares the system for duplication by removing system-specific data. The VM then enters into a deallocated state.
- Capture the image: Finally, this prepared VM can now be converted into an image using the Azure portal, PowerShell, or CLI. It then becomes the source template for deploying further systems in a time-efficient manner, enabling standardization across multiple instances.
Consider the table given below that outlines a generalized comparison between the steps involved in manual image creation and using Azure Image Builder service.
| Steps | Manual Creation | Azure Image Builder |
|---|---|---|
| Base Image Selection | Manual Search and Selection | Selected from Shared Image Gallery |
| VM Configuration | Manual configuration | Uses customized template |
| Application Installation | Manual installation | Automated depending on script |
| OS Customization | Manual configuration | Customization scripted |
| Image Capture | Manual initiation | Automated post-customization |
Lastly, it’s important to remember that the process of creating a golden image manually is iterative.
Depending on the applications installed and the configurations made, you might have to repeat these steps to get to your perfect ‘Golden Image’. This process might be cumbersome but the control and flexibility it provides, especially in an exam setting such as AZ-140, are unparalleled.
End of the day, whether you choose to create your Golden Images manually or use Azure Image Builder greatly depends on your organization’s need for customization and control over the image creation process.
Practice Test
True/False: You can manually create a golden image for Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: A golden image can indeed be created manually for Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop. The golden image is essentially a template with desired OS configurations and installed applications.
Single Select: To manually create a golden image, you first need to:
- A. Create an Azure account
- B. Install your desired applications
- C. Install VM’s operating system
- D. Set VM’s network configurations
Answer: C. Install VM’s operating system
Explanation: To manually create a golden image, you first need to install the OS of the VM. After this, you could set the network configurations and install your desired software.
Multiple Select: When manually creating a golden image, which of the following components are necessary?
- A. Desired OS
- B. Installed Applications
- C. Network configurations
- D. Active Azure subscription
Answer: A. Desired OS, B. Installed Applications
Explanation: A golden image requires a desired OS and installed applications. It is irrelevant whether or not an active Azure subscription exists or what the network configurations are, as these are adjustable on VM deployment.
True/False: Once created, a golden image is unmodifiable and thus needs to be perfect the first time around.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: Although it is easier to initially set everything up correctly when creating a golden image, modifications can still be made to it after its creation.
Single Select: After creating a golden image, where should it be stored?
- A. In a public container
- B. In a private container
- C. On your local machine
- D. It should not be stored
Answer: B. In a private container
Explanation: To ensure secure access to the golden image, it should be stored in a private container.
True/False: To create a golden image manually, you need root or administrator access on the VM.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: Creating a golden image involves tasks that require root or administrator-level access, such as configuring the operating system and installing applications.
Multiple Select: Which of the following can be included in a golden image?
- A. Operating system
- B. Configured settings
- C. Installed software
- D. User files
Answer: A. Operating system, B. Configured settings, C. Installed software
Explanation: A golden image includes the operating system, configured settings, and installed software. However, it does not include user files.
Single Select: What is the primary purpose of manually creating a golden image?
- A. For backup purposes
- B. To create a new VM
- C. To establish a standard environment for deploying software
- D. To test new software
Answer: C. To establish a standard environment for deploying software
Explanation: The primary purpose of a golden image is to establish a standard environment for deploying software, could be used during the deployment of multiple VMs.
True/False: A golden image is a specialized type of virtual machine.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: A golden image is not a type of virtual machine; rather, it is a template that is used to create virtual machines in a consistent manner.
Multiple Select: A golden image can be used to create:
- A. Azure Virtual Machine
- B. AWS EC2 Instance
- C. GCP Compute Engine
- D. All of the above
Answer: D. All of the above
Explanation: Golden images are not platform-specific and can be used to create virtual machines in any cloud platform, including Azure, AWS, and GCP.
Interview Questions
What is a Golden Image in the context of Microsoft Azure?
A Golden Image, sometimes called a master or base image, represents a pre-configured virtual machine image that is used as the base template for creating new virtual machines in Microsoft Azure. It typically includes an operating system, applications, settings, and configurations.
What is the purpose of creating a golden image?
The purpose of creating a golden image is to standardize the virtual machines in an IT environment, reduce the deployment time of new virtual machines, and ensure that the entire IT infrastructure is uniform, up-to-date, and compliant with the company’s policies.
Which Microsoft Azure service allows you to create and manage golden images?
The Azure Image Builder service, part of the Azure Compute service, allows you to create and manage golden images. It provides an easy way to automate the creation of customized virtual machine images.
Can you update a golden image manually?
Yes, a golden image can be updated manually. This requires shutting down the image, making the necessary updates or adjustments, and then generalizing and recapturing the image.
What is meant by “generalizing” an image in Azure?
Generalizing an image involves running the Sysprep tool to remove system-specific data from the Windows machine. The generalized image can be reused to create new VM instances with the same base configuration.
How do you create a golden image manually in Azure Virtual Desktop?
To create a golden image manually, first install the necessary software and run updates on the VM. Then, run Sysprep with generalize option. Afterwards, you need to stop the VM and create an image from it via Azure Portal or Azure CLI.
How can you ensure that the golden image complies with company policies and standards?
You can use Azure Policy along with Azure Security Center to ensure that the golden image complies with company policies and standards. These tools can audit the image and enforce necessary compliance measures.
Can you automate the process of creating a golden image?
Yes, the process of creating a golden image can be automated using Azure Image Builder service. It uses a template to install, update, reboot, generalize, and finally distribute the image to a shared image gallery.
What scripting language is commonly used to automate the process of creating a golden image in Azure?
Azure PowerShell or Azure CLI commands can be used to automate the process of creating a golden image in Azure.
Can I use a golden image created in Azure in other environments?
Yes, but it requires proper generalization of the image before exporting it. Once it’s generalized, it can be exported and used in other environments, provided they support the same virtualization technology.
Can you add applications to a golden image after it has been created?
To add applications to a golden image, you need to deploy a VM from the golden image, add the applications, and then create a new golden image from the updated VM.
How do you update a golden image in Azure Virtual Desktop?
Updating a golden image in Azure Virtual Desktop involves deploying a VM from the golden image, installing the updates, generalizing the VM, and creating a new image from the updated VM.
How can you manage versions of a golden image in Azure?
You can manage versions of a golden image by using Shared Image Gallery in Azure. This service allows you to version, group, and distribute your images across different regions and subscriptions.
How can you ensure that all new virtual machines are created from the latest golden image?
By automating the process of creating VMs and tying it to the latest version of the golden image in Shared Image Gallery, you can ensure that all new virtual machines are created from the latest golden image.
Can I share my golden images with others in Azure?
Yes, you can share your images using the Shared Image Gallery. This allows you to share your images across different Azure subscriptions and even with other Azure tenants.
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