Merge pull request #276399 from GitHubber17/250699-a

Freshness 250699 - Azure DevTest Labs

Author: American-Dipper

articles/devtest-labs/devtest-lab-comparing-vm-base-image-types.md

@@ -1,32 +1,36 @@
 ---
-title: Comparing custom images and formulas
-description: Learn about the differences between custom images and formulas as VM bases so you can decide which one best suits your environment.
-ms.topic: conceptual
+title: Compare custom images and formulas
+titleSuffix: Azure DevTest Labs
+description: Explore the differences between custom images and formulas as virtual machine (VM) bases so you can decide which one best suits your environment.
+ms.topic: concept-article
 ms.author: rosemalcolm
 author: RoseHJM
-ms.date: 08/26/2021
+ms.date: 05/26/2024
 ms.custom: UpdateFrequency2
+
+#customer intent: As a developer, I want to know the differences between custom images and formulas as VM bases so I can choose the best approach for my environment.
 ---
 
-# Compare custom images and formulas in DevTest Labs
-Both [custom images](devtest-lab-create-template.md) and [formulas](devtest-lab-manage-formulas.md) can be used as bases for [creating new lab virtual machines (VMs)](devtest-lab-add-vm.md). The key distinction between custom images and formulas is that a custom image is simply an image based on a virtual hard drive (VHD). A formula is
-an image based on a VHD plus preconfigured settings. Preconfigured settings can include VM size, virtual network, subnet, and artifacts. These preconfigured settings are set up with default values that you can override at the time of VM creation. 
+# Compare custom images and formulas in Azure DevTest Labs
+
+In Azure DevTest Labs, both [custom images](devtest-lab-create-template.md) and [formulas](devtest-lab-manage-formulas.md) can be used as bases for [creating new lab virtual machines (VMs)](devtest-lab-add-vm.md). The key distinction between custom images and formulas is that a custom image is simply an image based on a virtual hard drive (VHD). A formula is an image based on a VHD that also includes preconfigured settings. These settings can include VM size, virtual network, subnet, and artifacts. Preconfigured settings are set up with default values that you can override when you create the VM. 
 
-In this article, you'll learn the pros and cons of using custom images versus using formulas.  You can also read [How to create a custom image from a VM](devtest-lab-create-custom-image-from-vm-using-portal.md) and  [Compare custom images and formulas in DevTest Labs](devtest-lab-comparing-vm-base-image-types.md).
+In this article, you learn the pros and cons of using custom images versus formulas. You can also read [Create a custom image from a VM](devtest-lab-create-custom-image-from-vm-using-portal.md) and [Create a formula from a VM](devtest-lab-manage-formulas.md#create-a-formula-from-a-vm) for more details.
 
 ## Custom image benefits
+
 Custom images provide a static, immutable way to create VMs from the environment you want. 
 
 |Pros|Cons|
 |----|----|
-|<li>VM provisioning from a custom image is fast, as nothing changes after the VM is spun up from the image. In other words, there are no settings to apply, as the custom image is just an image without settings. <li>VMs created from a single custom image are identical.|<li>If you need to update some aspect of the custom image, you must recreate the image. |
+| VM provisioning from a custom image is fast. Nothing changes after you create a VM from an image. <br><br> There are no settings to apply. The custom image is just an image without settings. <br><br> VMs created from a single custom image are identical. | To update an aspect of the custom image, you must recreate the image. |
 
 ## Formula benefits
 
 Formulas provide a dynamic way to create VMs from the configuration and settings you want.
 
 |Pros|Cons|
 |----|----|
-|<li>Changes in the environment can be captured on the fly via artifacts. For example, if you want a VM installed with the latest bits from your release pipeline or to enlist the latest code from your repository, use a formula. The formula can specify an artifact that deploys the latest bits or enlists the latest code, together with the target base image. Whenever this formula is used to create VMs, the latest bits or code are deployed or enlisted to the VM.  <li>Formulas can define default settings that custom images can't provide, such as VM sizes and virtual network settings.  <li>The settings saved in a formula are shown as default values, but can be modified when the VM is created. |<li> Creating a VM from a formula can take more time than creating a VM from a custom image.
+| Changes in the environment can be captured on the fly by using artifacts. You can use a formula to create a VM installed with the latest bits from your release pipeline. A formula also works when you want to enlist the VM with the latest code from your repository. The formula can specify an artifact that deploys the latest bits or enlists the latest code, together with the target base image. Whenever you use this formula to create VMs, the latest bits or code are deployed or enlisted to the VM. <br><br> Formulas can define default settings that custom images can't provide, such as VM sizes and virtual network settings. <br><br> The settings saved in a formula are shown as default values. You can change these values when you create the VM. | Creating a VM from a formula can take more time than creating a VM from a custom image. |
 
 [!INCLUDE [devtest-lab-try-it-out](../../includes/devtest-lab-try-it-out.md)]

articles/devtest-labs/devtest-lab-configure-vnet.md

@@ -1,74 +1,86 @@
 ---
-title: Configure a virtual network
-description: Learn how to configure an existing virtual network and subnet to use for creating virtual machines in Azure DevTest Labs.
+title: Add and configure virtual network
+titleSuffix: Azure DevTest Labs
+description: Learn how to add and configure an existing virtual network and subnet to use for creating virtual machines in Azure DevTest Labs.
 ms.topic: how-to
 ms.author: rosemalcolm
 author: RoseHJM
-ms.date: 09/30/2023
+ms.date: 06/02/2024
 ms.custom: UpdateFrequency2
+
+#customer intent: As a developer, I want to add and configure virtual networks and subnets in Azure DevTest Labs so I can use them to create virtual machines.
 ---
 
-# Add a virtual network in Azure DevTest Labs
+# Add virtual network in Azure DevTest Labs
 
 In this article, you learn how to add a virtual network to a lab, and configure it for creating lab virtual machines (VMs).
 
-Azure DevTest Labs creates a new virtual network for each lab. If you have another virtual network, such as one configured with Azure ExpressRoute or site-to-site virtual private network (VPN), you can add it to your lab. You can then create lab VMs in that virtual network.
+Azure DevTest Labs creates a new virtual network for each lab. If you have an existing virtual network, such as one configured with Azure ExpressRoute or site-to-site virtual private network (VPN), you can add this network to your lab. You can then create lab VMs in that virtual network.
 
 ## Add a virtual network to a lab
 
-To add a configured virtual network and subnet to a lab, take the following steps:
+To add a configured virtual network and subnet to a lab, follow these steps:
+
+1. In the [Azure portal](https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/p/?LinkID=525040), go to your lab resource.
 
-1. In the [Azure portal](https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/p/?LinkID=525040), on the **Overview** page for your lab, select **Configuration and policies** from the left navigation.
+1. On the **Overview** page, expand the **Settings** section on the left menu, and select **Configuration and policies**:
 
-   :::image type="content" source="./media/devtest-lab-configure-vnet/policies-menu.png" alt-text="Screenshot that shows the Configuration and policies menu for a lab.":::
+   :::image type="content" source="./media/devtest-lab-configure-vnet/policies-menu.png" alt-text="Screenshot that shows how to select the Configuration and policies option for a lab in the Azure portal." border="false" lightbox="./media/devtest-lab-configure-vnet/policies-menu.png":::
 
-1. On the **Configuration and policies** page, in the left navigation under **External resources**, select **Virtual networks**.
+   The **Activity log** view opens for the lab where you can review configuration and policies settings.
 
-1. The **Virtual networks** page shows the lab's current virtual networks. Select **Add**.
+1. On the left menu, expand the **External resources** section, and select **Virtual networks** to view the lab's current virtual networks.
+
+1. On the **Virtual networks** page, select **Add**:
 
-   :::image type="content" source="./media/devtest-lab-configure-vnet/lab-settings-vnet-add.png" alt-text="Screenshot that shows a lab's Virtual networks page with Add selected.":::
+   :::image type="content" source="./media/devtest-lab-configure-vnet/lab-settings-vnet-add.png" alt-text="Screenshot that shows how to add a new virtual network for a lab in the Azure portal." lightbox="./media/devtest-lab-configure-vnet/lab-settings-vnet-add.png":::
 
-1. On the **Virtual network** page, select **Select virtual network**.
+1. On the **Virtual network** page, choose the **Select virtual network** option:
 
-   :::image type="content" source="./media/devtest-lab-configure-vnet/lab-settings-vnets-vnet1.png" alt-text="Screenshot that shows Select virtual network selected on the Virtual network page.":::
+   :::image type="content" source="./media/devtest-lab-configure-vnet/lab-settings-vnet-select.png" alt-text="Screenshot that shows to choose the Select virtual network option on the Virtual network page." lightbox="./media/devtest-lab-configure-vnet/lab-settings-vnet-select.png":::
 
-1. The **Choose virtual network** page appears, showing all virtual networks in the subscription that are in the same region as the lab. Select the virtual network you want to add.
+1. The **Choose virtual network** page shows all virtual networks in the subscription that are in the same region as the lab. Select the virtual network that you want to add to your lab:
 
-   :::image type="content" source="./media/devtest-lab-configure-vnet/choose-virtual-network.png" alt-text="Screenshot that shows the Choose virtual network page with a list of virtual networks.":::
+   :::image type="content" source="./media/devtest-lab-configure-vnet/choose-virtual-network.png" alt-text="Screenshot that shows the Choose virtual network page with a list of available virtual networks for the lab." lightbox="./media/devtest-lab-configure-vnet/choose-virtual-network.png":::
 
-1. The virtual network you chose shows on the **Virtual network** page. Select **Save**.
+1. The virtual network that you select appears on the **Virtual network** page. Select **Save** to add the virtual network to your lab:
 
-1. The virtual network appears in the list on the lab's **Virtual networks** page. When the **Status** shows as **Ready**, select the new virtual network.
+   :::image type="content" source="./media/devtest-lab-configure-vnet/lab-settings-vnet-save.png" alt-text="Screenshot that shows how to save the selected virtual network to your lab in the Azure portal." lightbox="./media/devtest-lab-configure-vnet/lab-settings-vnet-save.png":::
 
-   :::image type="content" source="./media/devtest-lab-configure-vnet/lab-subnet.png" alt-text="Screenshot that shows the added virtual network on the lab's Virtual networks page.":::
+1. The added virtual network appears in the list for the lab on the **Virtual networks** page. When the **Status** for the new virtual network shows as **Ready**, select the network:
 
-1. The **Virtual network** page shows the subnets for the virtual network. Select a subnet to configure.
+   :::image type="content" source="./media/devtest-lab-configure-vnet/lab-settings-vnet-ready.png" alt-text="Screenshot that shows how to select the added virtual network on the lab's Virtual networks page when the statue is ready." lightbox="./media/devtest-lab-configure-vnet/lab-settings-vnet-ready.png":::
 
-1. On the **Lab Subnet** pane, select **Yes** or **No** under the following options:
+1. The **Virtual network** page shows the subnets for the new virtual network. Select a subnet to configure:
 
-   - **Use in virtual machine creation** to allow or disallow VM creation in the subnet.
-   - **Enable shared public IP** to enable or disable a [shared public IP address](devtest-lab-shared-ip.md).
-   - **Allow public IP creation** to allow or disallow creating public IP addresses in the subnet.
+   :::image type="content" source="./media/devtest-lab-configure-vnet/lab-settings-vnet-subnet.png" alt-text="Screenshot that shows how to select the subnet for the new virtual network for the lab." lightbox="./media/devtest-lab-configure-vnet/lab-settings-vnet-subnet.png":::
 
-1. Under **Maximum virtual machines per user**, enter the maximum number of VMs each user can create in the subnet. If you don't want to restrict the number of VMs, leave this field blank.
+1. On the **Lab Subnet** pane, configure the following options:
 
-1. Select **Save**.
+   - **Use in virtual machine creation**: Allow or disallow virtual machine (VM) creation in the subnet.
+   - **Enable shared public IP**: Enable or disable a [shared public IP address](devtest-lab-shared-ip.md).
+   - **Allow public IP creation**: Allow or disallow creating public IP addresses in the subnet.
+   - **Maximum virtual machines per user**: Specify the maximum number of VMs each user can create in the subnet. If you don't want to restrict the number of VMs, leave this field blank.
 
-   :::image type="content" source="./media/devtest-lab-configure-vnet/lab-settings-vnets-vnet2.png" alt-text="Screenshot that shows the settings for the Lab subnet pane.":::
+1. On the **Lab Subnet** pane, select **Save**. The **Virtual network** page refreshes to show the configured subnet for the virtual network.
 
-1. On the **Virtual network** page, select **Save** again.
+1. On the **Virtual network** page, select **Save** to apply the virtual network subnet changes to your lab.
 
 ## Create VMs in a virtual network
 
-If you allowed VM creation in one of the subnets, you can now create lab VMs in the added virtual network.
+When you allow VM creation in a subnet, you can create lab VMs in the added virtual network with these steps:
+
+1. Add a lab VM and select a VM base by following the instructions in [Create and add virtual machines](devtest-lab-add-vm.md).
 
-1. Follow the instructions at [Create and add virtual machines](devtest-lab-add-vm.md) to add a lab VM and select a VM base.
 1. On the **Create lab resource** screen, select the **Advanced settings** tab.
-1. Select the drop-down arrow in the **Virtual network** field, and select the virtual network you added.
-1. If necessary, select the drop-down arrow in the **Subnet Selector** field, and select the subnet you want.
-1. Proceed with VM creation.
 
-## Next steps
+1. Expand the **Virtual network** dropdown list and select the virtual network you added.
+
+1. As necessary, expand the **Subnet Selector** dropdown list and select the desired subnet.
+
+1. Continue with creating the VM.
+
+## Related content
 
-- For more information about how to set up, use, and manage virtual networks, see the [Azure virtual network documentation](../virtual-network/index.yml).
-- You can deploy [Azure Bastion](https://azure.microsoft.com/services/azure-bastion) in a new or existing virtual network to enable browser connection to your lab VMs. For more information, see [Enable browser connection to DevTest Labs VMs with Azure Bastion](enable-browser-connection-lab-virtual-machines.md).
+- [Azure virtual network documentation](../virtual-network/index.yml)
+- [Enable browser connection to DevTest Labs VMs with Azure Bastion](enable-browser-connection-lab-virtual-machines.md)