Set up a lab focused on deep learning in natural language processing using Azure Lab Services
Important
Azure Lab Services will be retired on June 28, 2027. For more information, see the retirement guide.
Note
This article references features available in lab plans, which replaced lab accounts.
This article shows you how to set up a lab focused on deep learning in Natural Language Processing (NLP) using Azure Lab Services. NLP is a form of Artificial Intelligence (AI) that enables computers with translation, speech recognition, and other language understanding capabilities.
Students taking an NLP class get a Linux virtual machine (VM) to learn how to apply neural network algorithms. The algorithms teach students to develop deep learning models that are used for analyzing written human language.
Lab configuration
To set up this lab, you need an Azure subscription and lab account to get started. If you don't have an Azure subscription, create a free account before you begin.
Once you have an Azure subscription, you can create a new lab plan in Azure Lab Services. For more information about creating a new lab plan, see the tutorial on how to set up a lab plan. You can also use an existing lab plan.
Lab plan settings
Enable the settings described in the table below for the lab plan. For more information about how to enable marketplace images, see the article on how to specify Marketplace images available to lab creators.
| Lab plan setting | Instructions |
|---|---|
| Marketplace images | Enable the Data Science Virtual Machine for Linux (Ubuntu) image. |
Lab settings
For instructions on how to create a lab, see Tutorial: Set up a lab. Use the following settings when creating the lab:
| Lab settings | Value |
|---|---|
| Virtual machine (VM) size | Small GPU (Compute). This size is best suited for compute-intensive and network-intensive applications like Artificial Intelligence and Deep Learning. |
| VM image | Data Science Virtual Machine for Linux (Ubuntu). This image provides deep learning frameworks and tools for machine learning and data science. To view the full list of installed tools on this image, see What does the DSVM include?. |
| Enable remote desktop connection | Optionally, check Enable remote desktop connection. The Data Science image is already configured to use X2Go so that teachers and students can connect using a GUI remote desktop. X2Go doesn't require the Enable remote desktop connection setting to be enabled. |
| Template Virtual Machine Settings | Optionally, choose Use a virtual machine image without customization. If you're using lab plans and the DSVM has all the tools that your class requires, you can skip the template customization step. |
Important
We recommend that you use the X2Go with the Data Science image. However, if you choose to use RDP instead, you'll need to connect to the Linux VM using SSH and install the RDP and GUI packages before publishing the lab. Then, students can connect to the Linux VM using RDP later. For more information, see Enable graphical remote desktop for Linux VMs.
Template machine configuration
The Data Science Virtual Machine for Linux image provides the necessary deep learning frameworks and tools required for this type of class. If you chose Use a virtual machine image without customization when creating the lab, the ability to customize the template machine will be disabled. You can publish the lab when you're ready.
Cost
Let's cover a possible cost estimate for this class. The virtual machine size we chose was Small GPU (Compute), which is 139 lab units.
For a class of 25 students with 20 hours of scheduled class time and 10 hours of quota for homework or assignments, the cost estimate would be:
25 students * (20 scheduled hours + 10 quota hours) * 139 Lab Units * 0.01 USD per hour = 1042.5 USD
Important
Cost estimate is for example purposes only. For current details on pricing, see Azure Lab Services Pricing.
Conclusion
This article walked you through the steps to create a lab for Natural Language Processing class. You can use a similar setup for other deep learning classes.
Next steps
The template image can now be published to the lab. For more information, see Publish the template VM.
As you set up your lab, see the following articles: