Getting Started with Microsoft Azure

Welcome to the Azure Getting Started guide. This section will walk you through the initial steps to begin your cloud journey with Microsoft Azure. Whether you're a developer, IT professional, or a student, these resources will help you set up your environment and understand the core concepts.

1. What is Azure?

Microsoft Azure is a cloud computing platform that offers a wide range of services, including computing, analytics, storage, and networking. It allows you to build, deploy, and manage applications and services through a global network of Microsoft-managed data centers.

2. Creating Your Azure Account

To start using Azure, you'll need an Azure account. Microsoft offers a free trial that includes:

  • Access to a variety of Azure services.
  • A credit to spend on any Azure service.
  • More than 25 services that are always free.

You can sign up for a free account here: Azure Free Account

3. Navigating the Azure Portal

The Azure Portal is a web-based interface that you can use to create and manage Azure resources. It provides a unified management experience for all your Azure services.

Key areas of the portal include:

  • Home: A personalized overview of your Azure services.
  • All Services: A comprehensive list of all available Azure services.
  • Resource Groups: A logical container for your Azure resources.
  • Virtual Machines: Manage your virtual machine instances.
  • Storage Accounts: Manage your data storage.

We recommend spending some time exploring the portal after you sign up.

4. Your First Azure Resource: A Virtual Machine

A common first step is to deploy a virtual machine (VM). A VM allows you to run applications and services in the cloud, just like you would on your own hardware.

Here's a simplified overview of the steps:

  1. Navigate to "Virtual Machines" in the Azure Portal.
  2. Click "+ Create" to start the VM creation wizard.
  3. Select your desired operating system (e.g., Windows Server, Ubuntu).
  4. Configure the VM size, username, and password.
  5. Choose a resource group (or create a new one).
  6. Review and create the VM.

For a detailed walkthrough, please refer to the official documentation:

Create a Linux VM Create a Windows VM

5. Understanding Core Concepts

As you continue, familiarize yourself with these fundamental Azure concepts:

  • Regions: Geographic locations where Azure data centers are located.
  • Resource Groups: A logical container for Azure resources.
  • Subscriptions: A logical grouping of Azure services and billing.
  • Resource Manager: The deployment and management service for Azure.
  • Scalability: The ability of your application to handle increasing or decreasing load.
  • Availability: Ensuring your services are accessible when needed.

Next Steps

Now that you've set up your account and understand the basics, you can start exploring specific services. Check out the Compute, Storage, and Networking sections for more in-depth guides.