Tag: Server

Jul092020July 9, 2020July 9, 20201Commentby Thomas Maurer
Add Microsoft Monitoring Agent Extension

How to Add the Microsoft Monitoring Agent to Azure Arc Servers

Posted in Azure Arc, Cloud, Hybrid Cloud, Microsoft, Microsoft Azure, Windows Server

To use some of the functionality with Azure Arc enabled servers, like Azure Update Management, Inventory, Change Tracking, Logs, and more, you will need to install the Microsoft Monitoring Agent (MMA). In this blog post, we are going to have a look at how you can install the Microsoft Monitoring Agent (MMA) on an Azure Arc enabled server using extensions.

Introducing Azure Arc
For customers who want to simplify complex and distributed environments across on-premises, edge and multicloud, Azure Arc enables deployment of Azure services anywhere and extends Azure management to any infrastructure.
Learn more about Azure Arc here.

You can learn more about the manual MMA setup on Microsoft Docs.

How to install the Microsoft Monitoring Agent on Azure Arc enabled servers

To install the Microsoft Monitoring Agent (MMA) you can use the new extension in Azure Arc. You open the server you want to install the MMA agent in the Azure Arc server overview. Navigate to Extensions and click on Add, and select the Microsoft Monitoring Agent – Azure Arc. This works for Windows and Linux servers.

Add Microsoft Monitoring Agent Extension

Add Microsoft Monitoring Agent Extension

Now you can enter the Azure Log Analytics workspace ID and the key. This will create a job and install the Microsoft Monitoring Agent on the server.

Create Microsoft Monitoring Agent - Azure Arc

Workspace ID and Key

After that, you can start using features like Azure Log Analytics, Inventory, Change Tracking, Update Management, and more. You can also do this manually for Windows and Linux machines.

Conclusion

Azure Arc for servers makes it super simple to deploy the Microsoft Monitoring Agent to servers running on-premises or at other cloud providers.

You can learn more about how Azure Arc provides you with cloud-native management technologies for your hybrid cloud environment here, and you can find the documentation for Azure Arc enabled servers on Microsoft Docs.

If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave a comment below.


Jul022020July 2, 2020July 2, 20202Commentsby Thomas Maurer
Intel NUC Windows Server LAB

Install Intel NUC Windows Server 2019 Network Adapter Driver

Posted in Cloud, Hardware, Hyper-V, Microsoft, Server Core, Windows Server, Windows Server 2019

As you know, I am using an Intel NUC as my Windows Server lab machine, where I run Windows Server 2019 and Hyper-V on. Many people asked me about how you can install the Intel NUC Windows Server 2019 Network Adapter driver because there are no Windows Server 2019 drivers for it. My blog reader, Michael Williams, shared how you can install the Windows Server 2019 Network adapter drivers on the Intel NUC 8th generation.

Here are the simple steps you can follow to install the Intel NUC Windows Server 2019 Network Adapter Driver:

  1. Download the latest PROWinx64.exe for Windows Server 2019 from Intel including drivers for the Intel® Ethernet Connection I219-V
  2. To manually install the network drivers, extract PROWinx64.exe to a temporary folder – in this example to the C:\Drivers\Intel\ folder. Extracting the .exe file manually requires an extraction utility like WinRAR or others. You can also run the .exe and it will self-extract files to the %userprofile%\AppData\Local\Temp\RarSFX0 directory. This directory is temporary and will be deleted when the .exe terminates.
  3. The driver for the Intel I219-V network adapter can be found in the C:\Drivers\Intel\PRO1000\Winx64\NDIS68.

    Extracted Network Drivers for Windows Server 2019 - Intel NUC PROWinx64

    Extracted Network Drivers for Windows Server 2019 – Intel NUC PROWinx64

  4. Open Device Manager right click on Ethernet Controller and select Update Driver.

    Device Manager Update Driver Ethernet Controller - Intel NUC Windows Server 2019 Driver

    Device Manager Update Driver Ethernet Controller – Intel NUC Windows Server 2019 Driver

  5. Select “Browe on my computer for driver software”, and select “Let me pick from a list of available drivers on my computer”, now you can select Network Adapter.

    Update Driver

    Update Driver

  6. Click on “Have Disk…” enter the following path “C:\Drivers\Intel\PRO1000\Winx64\NDIS68.”

    Driver Location

    Driver Location

  7. Now select Intel Ethernet Connection I219-LM (The I219-V version is not shown)

    Select the Intel Ethernet Connection I219-LM

    Select the Intel Ethernet Connection I219-LM

  8. And you are done.

Huge thank you again to Michael Williams for sharing that with us. I hope this short blog post provides you a step by step guide on how you can install Windows Server 2019 Network adapter drivers on the Intel NUC. If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment.


Jun232020June 23, 2020June 23, 20200Commentby Thomas Maurer
Add Custom Script Extension Azure Arc Server

Extensions for Azure Arc enabled Servers

Posted in Azure Arc, Hybrid Cloud, Microsoft, Microsoft Azure, Windows Server, Windows Server 2019

With the latest update for Azure Arc for Servers, you are now able to deploy and use extensions with your Azure Arc enabled servers. Currently, you have six different Azure Arc extensions you can deploy to your servers.

  • Custom Script Extension for Linux – Azure Arc
  • DSCForLinux extension on a Ubuntu
  • OMS Agent for Linux – Azure Arc
  • Custom Script Extension for Windows – Azure Arc
  • PowerShell Desired State Configuration – Azure Arc
  • Microsoft Monitoring Agent – Azure Arc

These extensions are similar and consistent with the virtual machine extensions for Azure VMs. These are small applications that provide post-deployment configuration and automation tasks on Azure Arc enabled servers. For example, if a server requires software installation, anti-virus protection, or to run a script inside of it, an Azure Arc extension can be used. Extensions can be run with the Azure CLI, PowerShell, and the Azure portal.

Introducing Azure Arc
For customers who want to simplify complex and distributed environments across on-premises, edge and multicloud, Azure Arc enables deployment of Azure services anywhere and extends Azure management to any infrastructure.
Learn more about Azure Arc here.

You can find more information about Virtual machine extension management with Azure Arc for servers on Microsoft Docs.

Read More

Jun222020June 22, 2020June 21, 20200Commentby Thomas Maurer
List Azure Arc Machines Agent Version in Azure Cloud Shell

Get the Azure Connected Machine Agent (Azcmagent) Version

Posted in Azure Arc, Cloud, Hybrid Cloud, Microsoft, Microsoft Azure, PowerShell, Windows Server

Azure Arc Enabled Servers just got another update enabling extensions. This also includes an updated version of the Azure Arc agent or Azure Connected Machine Agent (Azcmagent). To get an overview of what Azure Arc Azure Connected Machine Agent is installed on your machines, you can use several different ways. In this blog post, we are going to have a look at how you can get installed Azure Connected Machine Agent (Azcmagent) version for Azure Arc Enabled Servers.

On the Azure Arc Enabled Server

If you want to check the Azure Connected Machine Agent (Azcmagent) version directly on your Azure Arc enabled server, you can simply run the following command in PowerShell.

azcmagent version

This will list the installed version.

Azure Connected Machine Agent azcmagent Version

Azure Connected Machine Agent azcmagent Version

In the Azure Portal

You can also see the agent version in the Azure Portal. If you browse to your Azure Arc Enabled Server, you can find the agent version on the overview page.

Azure Portal - Azure Arc Enabled Server

Azure Portal – Azure Arc Enabled Server

However, if you want to see the agent version for your Azure Arc enabled servers at scale, this isn’t an ideal option.

List Azure Connected Machine Agent (Azcmagent) version for all Azure Arc machines

If you want to see the installed Azure Connected Machine Agent (Azcmagent) version for all your Azure Arce enabled servers at scale, you can use Azure Resource Graph Queries.

This query lists all the Azure Arc enabled machines and shows the installed agent version.

List Azure Arc Machines with Agent Version

List Azure Arc Machines with Agent Version

You can run the following query in the Azure Resource Graph Explorer in the Azure Portal.

 resources
| where type == "microsoft.hybridcompute/machines"
| extend agentversion = properties.agentVersion
| project name, agentversion, location, resourceGroup, subscriptionId
| order by name

You can also run the query directly in Azure Cloud Shell or on your local machine using Azure PowerShell or the Azure CLI.

List Azure Arc Machines Agent Version in Azure Cloud Shell

List Agent Version in Azure Cloud Shell

Azure CLI

az graph query -q "Resources | where type =~ 'microsoft.hybridcompute/machines' | extend agentversion = properties.agentVersion | project name, agentversion, location, resourceGroup, subscriptionId"

Azure PowerShell

Search-AzGraph -Query "Resources | where type =~ 'microsoft.hybridcompute/machines' | extend agentversion = properties.agentVersion | project name, agentversion, location, resourceGroup, subscriptionId"

If you need an overview of what Azure Connected Machine Agents we have installed and which versions do exist in our environment, you can just use the following Azure Resource Graph query.

Azure Resource Graph Explorer Chart - Azure Arc Server Agent Version

Azure Resource Graph Explorer Chart

Azure Resource Graph Explorer

 resources
| where type == "microsoft.hybridcompute/machines"
| extend agentversion = properties.agentVersion
| summarize count() by tostring(agentversion)

Azure PowerShell

Search-AzGraph -Query "Resources | where type =~ 'microsoft.hybridcompute/machines' | summarize count() by tostring(properties.agentVersion)"

Azure CLI

az graph query -q "Resources | where type =~ 'microsoft.hybridcompute/machines' | summarize count() by tostring(properties.agentVersion)"

Conclusion

I hope this blog post provides you with a short overview of how you can make sure which agent versions you have installed on your Azure Arc enabled servers. To learn more about Azure Arc for servers, check out Microsoft Docs. If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment.


Jun182020June 18, 2020June 18, 20200Commentby Thomas Maurer
Azure Arc Enabled Servers Extension Management

Azure Arc Enabled Servers Extension Management

Posted in Azure Arc, Cloud, Hybrid Cloud, Microsoft, Microsoft Azure, Windows Server

Azure Arc for Server just got a couple of new features. In this blog post, we are going to have a look at the new feature on Azure Arc enabled servers called extension management. This new Azure Arc enabled servers features allows you not only to deploy extensions like the Custom Script Extension, or the Microsoft Monitoring Agent but also enable features like Azure Update Management, Inventory, Change Tracking, and more for your servers running in a hybrid environment.

Introducing Azure Arc
For customers who want to simplify complex and distributed environments across on-premises, edge and multicloud, Azure Arc enables deployment of Azure services anywhere and extends Azure management to any infrastructure.
Learn more about Azure Arc here.

Azure Arc enabled servers already could benefit from several Azure Resource Manager features like Tags, Policies, RBAC, and some Azure Management features like logs and Azure Policy. With the new update, you can start using more extensions.  With these extensions available, Azure Arc enabled servers also get features like Azure Update Management, Inventory, Change Tracking, and insights capabilities.

Azure Arc Azure Management Control Plane

Azure Arc Azure Management Control Plane

Azure Arc Enabled Servers Extension Management Video

You can also watch my summary video on YouTube.

Read More

Jun102020June 10, 2020June 10, 20200Commentby Thomas Maurer
Windows Server 2019 Inside Out Microsoft Press Book

Windows Server 2019 Inside Out Microsoft Press Book Available

Posted in Active Directory, Containers, Hybrid Cloud, Microsoft, Microsoft Azure, Windows Admin Center, Windows Server, Windows Server 2019

My friend and colleague Orin Thomas just shared some fantastic news. His new book Windows Server 2019 Inside Out for Microsoft Press is now available. I was able to provide some early feedback during the writing process and I can tell you this book is a must-have if you are working with Windows Server 2019.

Dive into Windows Server 2019—and really put your Windows Serverexpertise to work. Focusing on Windows Server 2019’s most powerful and innovative features, this supremely organized reference packs hundreds of timesaving solutions, tips, and workarounds—all you need to plan, implement, or manage Windows Server in enterprise, data center, cloud, and hybrid environments. Fully reflecting new innovations for security, hybrid cloud environments, and Hyper-Converged Infrastructure (HCI), it covers everything from cluster sets to Windows Subsystem for Linux.

You can get the book on Amazon and you will learn how to:

  • Optimize the full Windows Server 2019 lifecycle, from planning and configuration through rollout and administration
  • Leverage new configuration options including App Compatibility Features on Demand (FOD) or Desktop Experience
  • Ensure fast, reliable upgrades and migrations
  • Manage Windows servers, clients, and services through Windows Admin Center
  • Seamlessly deliver and administer core DNS, DHCP, file, print, storage, and Internet services
  • Use the Storage Migration Service to simplify storage moves and configuration at the destination
  • Seamlessly integrate Azure IaaS and hybrid services with Windows Server 2019
  • Improve agility with advanced container technologies, including container networking and integration into Kubernetes orchestration clusters
  • Deliver Active Directory identity, certificate, federation, and rights management services
  • Protect servers, clients, VMs, assets, and users with advanced Windows Server 2019 security features, from Just Enough Administration to shielded VMs and guarded virtualization fabrics
  • Monitor performance, manage event logs, configure advanced auditing, and perform backup/recovery Windows Server 2019

Microsoft Inside Out Windows Server 2019 Book

Microsoft Inside Out Windows Server 2019 Book

If you got the new Windows Server 2019 Inside Out Microsoft Press book, let me know what you think!


Jun072020June 7, 2020June 7, 20201Commentby Thomas Maurer
Azure Singapore Virtual Meetup Azure Arc

Speaking about Azure Arc at the Azure Singapore Virtual Meetup

Posted in Cloud, Cloud Advocate, Events, Hybrid Cloud, Microsoft, Microsoft Azure, Speaking, Thomas Maurer, Webinar

On Wednesday, June 10, I will be joining the Azure Singapore Virtual Meetup to talk about managing and govern Hybrid Environment using Azure Arc. The event will be held online from 7 pm (GMT+8) and you can find more information about the event and the Azure Singapore User Group here.

Manage and govern your hybrid environment using Azure Arc
Wednesday, 10 June 2020 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm GMT+8 📅 (Link)

Thomas Maurer shows you how you can manage and govern your Windows and Linux machines hosted outside of Azure on your corporate network or at other cloud providers, similar to how you manage native Azure virtual machines.

When a hybrid machine is connected to Azure, it becomes a connected machine and is treated as a resource in Azure. Azure Arc provides you with the familiar cloud-native Azure management experience, like RBAC, Tags, Azure Policy, Log Analytics, and more.

I hope you tune in for this week’s Azure Singapore Virtual Meetup and see you in the live stream! If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave a comment below.



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    Thomas Maurer

    My name is Thomas Maurer. I am a Senior Cloud Advocate at Microsoft. I am part of the Azure engineering team (Cloud + AI) and engage with the community and customers around the world. I am located in Switzerland. I am focusing on Microsoft technologies, especially cloud and datacenter solutions based on Microsoft Azure, Azure Stack and Windows Server. Opinions are my own.

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