Merge pull request #176466 from nicolehaugen/GnomeFAQ

Added FAQ info on sub quotas, GNOME\MATE, and shutdown settings

Author: Court72

articles/lab-services/classroom-labs-faq.yml

@@ -9,7 +9,6 @@ metadata:
 title: Labs in Azure Lab Services — Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
 summary: Get answers to some of the most common questions about labs in Azure Lab Services. 
 
-
 sections:
   - name: Quotas
     questions:
@@ -21,7 +20,7 @@ sections:
       - question: |
           If educator turns on a student VM, does that affect the student quota? 
         answer: |
-          No. It doesn't. When educator turns on the student VM, it doesn't affect the quota allotted to the student. 
+          No. It doesn't. When educator turns on the student VM, it doesn't affect the quota allotted to the student.
 
   - name: Schedules
     questions:
@@ -77,15 +76,39 @@ sections:
           ## Update notifications
           
           Subscribe to [Lab Services updates](https://azure.microsoft.com/updates/?product=lab-services) to stay informed about new features in Lab Services.          
-
+  
+  - name: Linux
+    questions:
+      - question: |
+          When I select my lab's automatic shutdown Settings, why is this page blank or why don't I see the setting to automatically disconnect users when VMs are idle?
+        answer: |
+          In general, Linux labs only support automatic shut down when users disconnect and when VMs are started but users don't connect.  However, support for these settings also varies depending on [specific distributions and versions of Linux](../virtual-machines/extensions/diagnostics-linux.md#supported-linux-distributions).  Shutdown settings are not supported by the [Data Science Virtual Machine - Ubuntu 18.04](https://azuremarketplace.microsoft.com/marketplace/apps/microsoft-dsvm.ubuntu-1804) image.
+          For more information on the shutdown settings, see the following articles:
+            - [How to enable shutdown settings](https://docs.microsoft.com/azure/lab-services/how-to-enable-shutdown-disconnect)
+            - [Automatic shutdown settings for cost control](https://docs.microsoft.com/azure/lab-services/cost-management-guide#automatic-shutdown-settings-for-cost-control)
+      - question: |
+          How can I use Ubuntu 18.04 Server LTS and install either the GNOME or MATE graphical desktops?
+        answer: |
+          There is a [known networking conflict between GNOME\MATE](https://docs.microsoft.com/azure/lab-services/how-to-enable-remote-desktop-linux#using-gnome-or-mate) graphical desktops) and the Azure Linux VM Agent when using Ubuntu 18.04 LTS.  As a result, we suggest the following:
+            - Instead of GNOME\MATE, consider using the XFCE graphical desktop which doesn't have this issue.  For example, the [Data Science VM image is configured by default to use XFCE](https://docs.microsoft.com/azure/machine-learning/data-science-virtual-machine/dsvm-ubuntu-intro#x2go).
+            - Instead of Ubuntu 18.04 LTS, consider using Ubuntu 20.04 or 21.04 LTS which don't have this networking conflict with the agent when GNOME\MATE is installed.
+            - Otherwise, to use 18.04 LTS and GNOME\MATE, you will need to apply a workaround to fix the networking conflict with the agent.
+          See our [ReadMe and scripts](https://github.com/Azure/azure-devtestlab/blob/master/samples/ClassroomLabs/Scripts/LinuxGraphicalDesktopSetup/GNOME_MATE/ReadMe.md) that set up Ubuntu Server 18.04\20.04\21.04 with GNOME\MATE.  When you use these scripts to set up 18.04 with GNOME\MATE, they will apply the workaround for the networking conflict.
+  
   - name: General
     questions:
+      - question: |
+          How do I prevent capacity constraints and Azure compute capacity limitations on my subscription?
+        answer: |
+          When you start to use Azure Lab Services for the first time, you will need to submit a request to increase the Azure compute capacity limit that exists on your subscription.  As your lab usage grows and increases in the number of VM cores you need, you may need to repeat this process to increase your quota limit further.
+          As part of your up front planning each time that you deploy new labs, you also need to ensure that there is adequate VM core capacity in the region that you plan to deploy in.  This is especially important for GPUs.
+          For more information on how to plan for both capacity and Azure compute capacity limitations, read the following article:
+            - [Capacity limits in Azure Lab Services](https://docs.microsoft.com/azure/lab-services/capacity-limits)
       - question: |
           What if my question isn't answered here?
         answer: |
           If your question isn't listed here, let us know, so we can help you find an answer.
           
           - Post a question at the end of this FAQ. 
           - To reach a wider audience, post a question on the [Azure Lab Services — Tech community forum](https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/azure-lab-services/bd-p/AzureLabServices). 
-          - For feature requests, submit your requests and ideas to [Azure Lab Services — User Voice](https://feedback.azure.com/forums/320373-lab-services?category_id=352774).
           

articles/lab-services/how-to-configure-lab-accounts.md

@@ -15,6 +15,9 @@ You can enable several auto-shutdown cost control features to proactively preven
 
 Review more details about the auto-shutdown features in the [Maximize cost control with auto-shutdown settings](cost-management-guide.md#automatic-shutdown-settings-for-cost-control) section.
 
+> [!IMPORTANT]
+> Linux labs only support automatic shut down when users disconnect and when VMs are started but users don't connect.  Support also varies depending on [specific distributions and versions of Linux](../virtual-machines/extensions/diagnostics-linux.md#supported-linux-distributions).  Shutdown settings are not supported by the [Data Science Virtual Machine - Ubuntu 18.04](https://azuremarketplace.microsoft.com/marketplace/apps/microsoft-dsvm.ubuntu-1804) image. 
+
 ## Enable automatic shutdown
 
 1. In the [Azure portal](https://portal.azure.com/) navigate to the **Lab Account** page.
@@ -26,7 +29,7 @@ Review more details about the auto-shutdown features in the [Maximize cost contr
     
     The setting(s) apply to all the labs created in the lab account. A lab creator (educator) can override this setting at the lab level. The change to this setting at the lab account will only affect labs that are created after the change is made.
 
-    To disable the setting(s), uncheck the checkbox(s) on this page. 
+    To disable the setting(s), uncheck the checkbox(s) on this page.
 
 ## Next steps
 

articles/lab-services/how-to-enable-remote-desktop-linux.md

@@ -70,17 +70,22 @@ Follow the below steps to set up the template VM:
 
     ![SSH connection string](./media/how-to-enable-remote-desktop-linux/ssh-connection-string.png)
 
-4. Finally, install either RDP or X2Go along with the graphical desktop environment of your choice.
+1. Finally, install either RDP or X2Go along with the graphical desktop environment of your choice.
 
-For optimal performance, we typically recommend using the XFCE graphical desktop and for users to connect to the desktop using X2Go.  To set up XFCE with X2Go on Ubuntu, use the following instructions:
-  - [Install and configure X2Go](https://github.com/Azure/azure-devtestlab/tree/master/samples/ClassroomLabs/Scripts/LinuxGraphicalDesktopSetup/XFCE_Xubuntu/ReadMe.md)
+  For optimal performance, we typically recommend using the XFCE graphical desktop and for users to connect to the desktop using X2Go.  To set up XFCE with X2Go on Ubuntu, use the following instructions:
+    - [Install and configure X2Go](https://github.com/Azure/azure-devtestlab/tree/master/samples/ClassroomLabs/Scripts/LinuxGraphicalDesktopSetup/XFCE_Xubuntu/ReadMe.md)
 
-In cases where you instead need to have users connect to the graphical desktop with RDP, use the following instructions for Ubuntu:
-  - [Install and configure RDP](../virtual-machines/linux/use-remote-desktop.md)
+  In cases where you instead need to have users connect to the graphical desktop with RDP, use the following instructions for Ubuntu:
+    - [Install and configure RDP](../virtual-machines/linux/use-remote-desktop.md)
 
-For the GNOME or MATE graphical desktop environments, you may encounter a networking conflict with the Azure Linux Agent which is needed for the VMs to work properly in Azure Lab Services.  For example, by default if you create a lab from an Ubuntu 18.04 LTS image that has GNOME or MATE installed, lab creation will fail with the following error message: **Communication could not be established with the VM agent.  Please verify that the VM agent is enabled and functioning.**  Likewise, this networking conflict will cause publish to hang when attempting to provision the student VMs.
+### Using GNOME or MATE graphical desktops
 
-We recommend using the following instructions to set up the GNOME or MATE graphical desktops on Ubuntu.  These instructions include a fix for the networking conflict that exists with Ubuntu 18.04 LTS.  They also support Ubuntu 20.04 LTS and 21.04 LTS:
+For the GNOME or MATE graphical desktop environments, you may encounter a networking conflict with the Azure Linux Agent which is needed for the VMs to work properly in Azure Lab Services.  This networking conflict causes the following side effects when Ubuntu 18.04 LTS is used with either GNOME or MATE installed:
+ - Lab creation using the image will fail with the error message, **Communication could not be established with the VM agent.  Please verify that the VM agent is enabled and functioning.**  
+ - Publishing student VMs will hang if the auto-shutdown settings are enabled.
+ - Resetting the student VM password will hang.
+
+We recommend using the following instructions to set up the GNOME or MATE graphical desktops on Ubuntu.  These instructions include a fix for the networking conflict that exists with Ubuntu 18.04 LTS.  They also support installing GNOME and MATE on Ubuntu 20.04 LTS and 21.04 LTS:
  - [Install and configure GNOME/RDP and MATE/X2go](https://github.com/Azure/azure-devtestlab/tree/master/samples/ClassroomLabs/Scripts/LinuxGraphicalDesktopSetup/GNOME_MATE/ReadMe.md)
 
 ## Connect to the template VM via the GUI

articles/lab-services/how-to-enable-shutdown-disconnect.md

@@ -9,27 +9,30 @@ ms.date: 10/01/2020
 
 This article shows you how you can configure automatic shutdown of VMs for a lab.
 
-You can enable several auto-shutdown cost control features to proactively prevent additional costs when the virtual machines are not being actively used. The combination of the following three automatic shutdown and disconnect features catches most of the cases where users accidentally leave their virtual machines running:
+You can enable several autoshutdown cost control features to proactively prevent additional costs when the virtual machines are not being actively used. The combination of the following three automatic shutdown and disconnect features catches most of the cases where users accidentally leave their virtual machines running:
 
 * Automatically disconnect users from virtual machines that the OS deems idle.
 * Automatically shut down virtual machines when users disconnect.
 * Automatically shut down virtual machines that are started but users don't connect.
 
-Review more details about the auto-shutdown features in the [Maximize cost control with auto-shutdown settings](cost-management-guide.md#automatic-shutdown-settings-for-cost-control) section.
+Review more details about the autoshutdown features in the [Maximize cost control with autoshutdown settings](cost-management-guide.md#automatic-shutdown-settings-for-cost-control) section.
 
-A lab account administrator can configure this setting for the lab account in which you create labs. For more information, see [Configure automatic shutdown of VMs for a lab account](how-to-configure-lab-accounts.md). As a lab owner, you can override the setting when creating a lab or after the lab is created. 
+A lab account administrator can configure this setting for the lab account in which you create labs. For more information, see [Configure automatic shutdown of VMs for a lab account](how-to-configure-lab-accounts.md). As a lab owner, you can override the setting when creating a lab or after the lab is created.
+
+> [!IMPORTANT]
+> Linux labs only support automatic shut down when users disconnect and when VMs are started but users don't connect.  Support also varies depending on [specific distributions and versions of Linux](../virtual-machines/extensions/diagnostics-linux.md#supported-linux-distributions).  Shutdown settings are not supported by the [Data Science Virtual Machine - Ubuntu 18.04](https://azuremarketplace.microsoft.com/marketplace/apps/microsoft-dsvm.ubuntu-1804) image.
 
 ## Configure for the lab level
 
-You can configure the auto-shutdown setting in the [Azure Lab Services](https://labs.azure.com/).
+You can configure the autoshutdown setting in the [Azure Lab Services](https://labs.azure.com/).
 
-* when creating a lab (in **Lab policies**), or
-* after the lab is created (in **Settings**)
+* When creating a lab (in **Lab policies**), or
+* After the lab is created (in **Settings**)
 
 > [!div class="mx-imgBorder"]
 > ![Configure at the time of lab creation](./media/how-to-enable-shutdown-disconnect/configure-lab-creation.png)
 
-Make sure to review details about the auto-shutdown in the [Maximize cost control with auto-shutdown settings](cost-management-guide.md#automatic-shutdown-settings-for-cost-control) section.
+Make sure to review details about the autoshutdown in the [Maximize cost control with autoshutdown settings](cost-management-guide.md#automatic-shutdown-settings-for-cost-control) section.
 
 > [!WARNING]
 > If you shutdown the Linux or Windows operating system (OS) on a VM before disconnecting an RDP session to the VM, the autoshutdown feature will not work properly.  

articles/lab-services/how-to-use-remote-desktop-linux-student.md

@@ -40,7 +40,7 @@ The instructor may choose to configure VMs so that students can also connect usi
 >  If you need to use [GNOME](https://www.gnome.org/) or [MATE](https://mate-desktop.org/) you should coordinate with your instructor to ensure your lab VM can be properly configured.  There is a known networking conflict that can occur with the Azure Linux Agent which is needed for the VMs to work properly in Azure Lab Services.  Instead, we recommend using a different graphical desktop environment, such as [XFCE](https://www.xfce.org/).
 
 ### Connect to the student VM using Microsoft Remote Desktop (RDP)
-Students can use Microsoft Remote Desktop (RDP) to connect to their Linux VMs after their instructor sets up their lab with RDP and GUI packages for a Linux graphical desktop environment (such as XFCE, MATE, and so on). Here are the steps to connect: 
+Students can use Microsoft Remote Desktop (RDP) to connect to their Linux VMs after their instructor sets up their lab with RDP and GUI packages for a Linux graphical desktop environment, such as XFCE. Here are the steps to connect: 
 
 1. On the tile for your VM, ensure the VM is running and click **Connect**. You see two options to connect to the VM: **SSH** and **RDP**.
 
@@ -63,7 +63,7 @@ If your instructor has configured the GNOME graphical desktop with the RDP clien
     ![Change RDP Experience Settings](./media/how-to-enable-remote-desktop-linux/rdp-experience-settings.png)
 
 ### Connect to the student VM using X2Go
-Students can use X2Go to connect to their Linux VMs after their instructor sets up their lab with X2Go and the GUI packages for a Linux graphical desktop environment (such as XFCE, MATE, and so on).
+Students can use X2Go to connect to their Linux VMs after their instructor sets up their lab with X2Go and the GUI packages for a Linux graphical desktop environment, such as XFCE.
 
 Students need to find out from their instructor which Linux graphical desktop environment their instructor has installed.  This information is needed in the next steps to connect using the X2Go client.