Introduction
This module describes Desired State Configuration (DSC) and its components for implementation with Azure Automation. Learn to manage configuration drift, create DSC configurations, implement DSC for Linux environments, and plan for hybrid management scenarios.
Module overview
Desired State Configuration (DSC) is a configuration management approach that ensures your infrastructure remains in a specified state and doesn't deviate over time. DSC helps prevent configuration drift, maintain compliance, and enforce security standards across your environment.
This module covers DSC fundamentals, Azure Automation State Configuration, creating DSC configuration files, and implementing DSC for both Windows and Linux systems.
Learning objectives
After completing this module, you'll be able to:
- Understand configuration drift: Identify how and why infrastructure configurations change over time and the security implications.
- Implement Desired State Configuration (DSC): Use PowerShell DSC to define and enforce desired states for resources.
- Describe Azure Automation State Configuration: Use Azure Automation as a DSC pull server for centralized configuration management.
- Create DSC configuration files: Write PowerShell scripts with configuration blocks, nodes, and resources.
- Implement DSC for Linux: Apply DSC to Linux environments on Azure.
- Plan for hybrid management: Manage both Azure and on-premises resources with DSC.
Prerequisites
- Understanding of Azure Automation and automation accounts.
- Basic knowledge of PowerShell scripting.
- Familiarity with infrastructure as code concepts.
- Experience with Azure resources and virtual machines.