Create Your First Azure Virtual Machine: A Step-by-Step Guide

Microsoft Azure is a powerful platform for cloud computing, offering an array of services to scale your applications and simplify IT management. One of the most fundamental services is the creation of virtual machines (VMs). In this guide, we will walk you through the process of creating your first Azure virtual machine, enabling you to tap into Azure’s vast potential.

What is a Virtual Machine?

A virtual machine is a software-based emulation of a physical computer. It runs on a physical server in a data centre, allowing users to run different operating systems and applications in a secure and isolated environment. Azure VMs provide flexibility, allowing developers to build, test, and deploy applications without the need for physical hardware.

Step 1: Set Up an Azure Account

Before you can create a virtual machine, you’ll need to have an Azure account. If you don’t already have one, you can sign up for a free account, which includes access to a range of services and credits for exploration. Go to the Azure website and follow the instructions to create your account.

Step 2: Access the Azure Portal

Once your account is set up and verified, navigate to the Azure Portal. The Portal is your central hub for managing Azure resources, and you will use it extensively throughout the process of creating your VM.

Step 3: Create a Virtual Machine

1. Navigate to Virtual Machines:

   • In the Azure Portal, click on “Create a resource” in the upper-left corner.
   • Select “Compute” and then choose “Virtual Machine” from the options displayed.

2. Configure Basic Settings:

   • Subscription: Choose your subscription from the dropdown menu.
   • Resource Group: Either select an existing resource group or create a new one to group your resources logically.
   • Virtual Machine Name: Enter a unique name for your VM.
   • Region: Choose a region that is geographically suitable for your needs, closest to your end-users for optimal performance.
   • Availability Options: Select an availability set or zone if desired for better redundancy.
   • Image: Choose the operating system you want to install (e.g., Windows, Linux).
   • Size: Select a size for your VM based on your workload requirements. Azure provides a recommendation based on the image you selected.

3. Configure Administrator Account:

   • Authentication Type: Choose between SSH public key or Password.
   • For AWS users, Password may be more familiar; however, SSH keys offer better security.
   • Fill in the required fields for the administrator username and password.

4. Networking Configuration:

   • Create a new virtual network or select an existing one. Make sure it accommodates your intended usage.
   • Ensure the subnet is correctly configured and consider enabling Public IP if you want to access the VM over the internet.

5. Review and Create:

   • Review all your selected configurations for the virtual machine.
   • Once satisfied, click on the “Create” button to provision your VM. This process may take a few minutes.

Step 4: Connect to Your Virtual Machine

Once your virtual machine is created, you will want to connect to it.

• For Windows VMs:

  • In the Azure Portal, go to your VM and click on “Connect” > “RDP”.
  • Download the RDP file and open it to connect to the VM. You will be prompted to enter your credentials.

• For Linux VMs:

  • Use an SSH client (e.g., PuTTY on Windows, Terminal on macOS/Linux) to connect.
  • Use the command: ssh username@public_ip_address where username is the one you set and public_ip_address is the IP assigned to your VM.

Step 5: Install Your Applications

Once connected, you can install the necessary applications or frameworks that you wish to work with. This might include web servers, databases, or development tools.

Conclusion

Creating your first Azure virtual machine is an empowering experience, providing a foundation for your cloud journey. With this step-by-step guide, you now have the knowledge to create, configure, and connect to your Azure VM. As you continue to explore Azure, consider leveraging additional resources such as Azure’s extensive documentation, tutorials, and community forums to enhance your skills further.

As you become more comfortable with Azure, you can start experimenting with advanced features like load balancing, virtual networks, and Azure DevOps to optimise your cloud environment. Happy cloud computing!