VM Instance Details: Operating System & Environment: Type: Azure Virtual Machine. OS: Ubuntu Server 22.04 LTS. Desktop Environment: GNOME, providing a user-friendly graphical interface for ease of use. Development Tools: Terraform: Pre-installed for infrastructure as code, enabling users to define and provision Azure infrastructure using a declarative configuration language. Packer: Also included, used for automating the creation of machine images, ensuring consistency and repeatability across deployments. Remote Access Capabilities: VNC (Virtual Network Computing): Allows for remote desktop access, making it easier to manage the VM's desktop environment from any location. RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol): Provides an alternative means of remote access, commonly used in Windows environments but also compatible here. Security & Configuration: Firewall Settings: Adjusted to allow traffic for essential services, particularly for VNC and RDP ports. Updates: Regular system updates are managed through a custom script extension, ensuring the system remains secure and up to date. Generalization & Reusability: Azure Compute Gallery Integration: The VM has been generalized using waagent, making it a reusable base image in the Azure Compute Gallery for rapid deployment of similar instances. How to Use the VM: Accessing the VM: Use Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) or a VNC client to connect to the VM. The IP address and access credentials will be required for the first connection. Development and Deployment: Utilize Terraform for infrastructure development. You can write Terraform scripts to define and deploy resources within Azure. Use Packer to create consistent, reproducible machine images based on this VM, which can be used for scaling or replicating environments. Managing the VM: The GNOME desktop environment offers a range of tools for file management, application handling, and system settings adjustments. Regular updates and maintenance tasks can be managed through the provided scripts or manually via the terminal. Customization: Further customize the VM based on specific project requirements. Install additional software packages as needed, or adjust system settings. Replication and Scaling: Leverage the generalized image in the Azure Compute Gallery to quickly deploy new instances for larger projects or different use cases. Ideal Use Cases for HOI: Development Projects: Ideal for software development, testing, and staging environments, especially where infrastructure as code is a key component. Remote Workstations: Perfect for remote employees or contractors who need a standardized, secure, and robust working environment. Educational Purposes: Can be used for training or educational scenarios, providing a consistent platform for learning and experimentation. This VM setup by HOI offers a flexible, secure, and efficient environment, suitable for a wide range of applications in development, cloud infrastructure, and remote work scenarios. Please close the ports that you do not use for more safety especially port 5901 & 3389.