Platform X: Logging in to Virtual Machines via Azure

Virtual Machines (VM)

The Azure Portal can be used to log into Virtual Machines (VM). The portal also allows you to monitor status of your Virtual Machine, and allows you to start and stop the machine with the user friendly interface.

You can also use the command line prompts to login to either Windows or Linux virtual machines.

First time logging in to your VM

You will receive a message from staff with login information for Platform X.

The message will contain a link to a 1Password entry containing your Azure credentials.

If you are using a Linux machine you will receive a second link with the credentials to log into the VM (if Windows it is the same as your Azure credentials).

Set up your Azure account using the temporary password email to you via a link to 1Password and follow steps below to login to Azure Portal.

1. Navigate to https://portal.azure.com
   1. 
2. Enter the Username provided via 1Password link (ex. NetID@Platformx.wisc.edu).
3. On the following screen, enter the temporary Password provided via 1Password link.
4. Once successfully logged in using the temporary credentials, change your password.
5. Select Next to acknowledge that 2 Factor Authentication is required.
   1. 
6. Set up 2 Factor Authentication.
   1. (Recommended) Download the Microsoft Authenticator application to your phone.
   2. Alternatively, select 'I want to use a different authenticator app' and use Duo (used for NetID multi-factor authentication at UW-Madison).
      1. 
   3. Select 'Next' once the application is installed and opened on your phone.
   4. 
   5. Scan QR code.
   6.  
   7. Enter code shown in app.
   8. 

Login to Azure Portal

1. Navigate to https://portal.azure.com.
2. Login with username originally provided by the 1Password link emailed to you for Platform X.
   1. This is your NetID@platform.wisc.edu 
   2. Then enter the password you created when you first logged in to Platform X.
   3. 
   4. Open authenticator app on your phone (below is screen shot of Duo authenticator from phone app)
   5. 

Start VM

1. From Azure Services select Virtual Machines
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2. From List of VM select your machine.
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3. VM Details will open.
   
   1. To start the VM click on start
   2.  
   3. This will take a minute or two - be sure to wait for VM to start up 
   4. 
4. The next step is to login to the VM using Bastion
   
   1. This will set up a connection between your computer and the virtual machine

Login to VM using Bastion

1. From the main Azure Portal window go to Connect > Bastion
   1. 
2. A window will open and you will need to enter your credentials.
   1. For Windows VMs
      • Username: {NetID}@platformx.wisc.edu
      • Authentication Type: VM Password
      • VM Password: the password you use to log into the Azure portal

       

   2. For Linux VMs
      • Username: x<netid> (ex. xflikweert)
      • Authentication Type: VM Password
      • VM Password
      • 
3. Select Connect
4. The VM will start up and log you in to your Virtual Machine on a new browser tab

Log out of VM

1. From start menu select Power > Disconnect
   1.  
   2. This will disconnect you from the VM, but does not stop the VM.
      1. Click Close  
   3. You will need to use Azure Portal to Stop VM
      
      1. This is an important step to save resources and keep costs down for your project.
   4. If you have analysis to run you can disconnect and leave VM running to continue processing data

Stop VM

1. Navigate to Azure Portal again https://portal.azure.com. 
2. Login with username for Platform X.
3. From your VM Details page select Stop
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4. Select Yes then wait a minute or two
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5. Window will pop up to confirm machine is stopped
   1. Status will update to Stopped 
   2. 

Restart VM

You may want to restart the VM.

You can also do this from the Azure Portal.

If you have any difficulty logging in to your VM, please submit a request via the Platform X Navigator Portal.