Improved main connection topic

Author: rothja

docs/linux/sql-server-linux-connect-and-query.md

@@ -29,15 +29,7 @@ ms.assetid:
 This topic provides an overview of how to connect and run Transact-SQL (TSQL) queries on SQL Server vNext CTP1 running on Linux. In many ways the connection techniques and T-SQL commands do not differ between platforms. But this topic looks at the requirements and tools for Linux and then provides references to other resources.
 
 ## Connection requirements
-To connect to SQL Server on Linux, you must use SQL Authentication (username and password). To connect remotely, you must open the port that SQL Server is listening on. The default instance of SQL Server listens on TCP port 1433.
-
-### Connection requirements for Azure virtual machines
-If you are running Linux in an Azure virtual machine (VM), you must create a Network Security Group rule that allows traffic to TCP port 1433. 
-    
-1. In the Azure portal, select your Linux VM, and then select the **Network interfaces** setting. 
-2. In the next blade, select your network interface to view its properties.
-3. In the Network interface blade, click the **Network security group** link to manage the Network Security Group associated with your VM.
-4. Create a Network Security Group rule. For step-by-step instructions, use the steps in [Create rules in an existing NSG](https://azure.microsoft.com/documentation/articles/virtual-networks-create-nsg-arm-pportal/#create-rules-in-an-existing-nsg). These provide the steps for creating an NSG rule, but you must customize your rule for incoming TCP traffic on port 1433. 
+To connect to SQL Server on Linux, you must use SQL Authentication (username and password). To connect remotely, you must ensure that the port SQL Server listens on is open. The default instance of SQL Server listens on TCP port 1433. Depending on your Linux distribution and configuration, you might have to open this port in the firewall.
 
 ## Tools
 The following table lists several tools that connect to SQL Server and allow you to run queries.
@@ -49,14 +41,17 @@ The following table lists several tools that connect to SQL Server and allow you
 | [SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) for Windows](https://msdn.microsoft.com/library/mt238290.aspx) | **SQL Server Management Studio** is a Windows tool for both querying and managing SQL Server instances. This is best for when you are working with both Windows and Linux machines. You can connect SSMS running on Windows to SQL Server running on Linux. The advantage of SSMS is that it provide a graphical user interface for many server and database management tasks. <br/>[Connect and query SQL Server on Linux (SSMS)](sql-server-linux-connect-and-query-ssms.md) |
 
 ## <a id="troubleshoot"></a> Troubleshoot connection failures
-
-The most common reasons for connection failures are mistakes in the server name/IP-address and network connectivity issues.
-
-Also, verify the user name and password do not contain any typos or extra spaces (user names are not case-sensitive, but passwords are). 
-
-You can also explicitly set the protocol and port number with the server name like the following: `tcp:servername,1433`
-
-Network connectivity issues can also cause connection errors and timeouts. After verifying your connection information and network connectivity, try the connection again.
+If you are having difficulty connecting to your Linux SQL Server instance, there are a few things to check. 
+
+- Verify that the server name or IP address is reachable from your client machine.
+- Verify that the user name and password do not contain any typos or extra spaces or incorrect casing.
+- Try to explicitly set the protocol and port number with the server name like the following: **tcp:servername,1433**.
+- Network connectivity issues can also cause connection errors and timeouts. After verifying your connection information and network connectivity, try the connection again.
+- If you are running Linux in an Azure virtual machine (VM), you must create a Network Security Group rule for port 1433 to connect to SQL Server remotely.
+    1. In the Azure portal, select your Linux VM, and then select the **Network interfaces** setting. 
+    2. In the next blade, select your network interface to view its properties.
+    3. In the Network interface blade, click the **Network security group** link to manage the Network Security Group associated with your VM.
+    4. Create a Network Security Group rule. For step-by-step instructions, use the steps in [Create rules in an existing NSG](https://azure.microsoft.com/documentation/articles/virtual-networks-create-nsg-arm-pportal/#create-rules-in-an-existing-nsg). These provide the steps for creating an NSG rule, but you must customize your rule for incoming TCP traffic on port 1433. 
 
 ## Next Steps
 For more information on using SQL Server vNext on Linux, see [SQL Server on Linux overview](sql-server-linux-overview.md).