Navigating the Azure Portal: A Beginner’s Guide

The cloud computing landscape has seen a significant transformation over the past few years, with Microsoft Azure emerging as a leading platform. For newcomers, the Azure Portal can feel overwhelming due to its extensive features and capabilities. This article aims to simplify your first interactions with the Azure Portal, offering guidance to help you navigate effectively.

Understanding the Azure Portal

The Azure Portal is a web-based interface that allows users to manage Azure services. It provides a unified platform for creating, managing, and monitoring resources. From virtual machines to databases, everything can be accessed with ease via the portal.

Getting Started

To use the Azure Portal, you need a Microsoft Azure account. If you don’t already have one, you can sign up for a free account, which provides credits to explore various services. After the sign-up process, visit the Azure Portal at portal.azure.com and log in with your Microsoft account.

The Dashboard

Upon entering the Azure Portal, you will be greeted by the dashboard, which serves as your home base. The dashboard is highly customisable; you can add tiles for your frequently used services, providing quick access to them.

To customise your dashboard:

1. Click the “Edit Dashboard” button at the top of the screen.
2. Use the “+ Add tile” option to include various resources and services.
3. Arrange the tiles by dragging them to your desired location.
4. Don’t forget to save your changes!

Navigating the Menu

On the left side of the dashboard, you will find the main navigation menu. This menu is the key to exploring the wide range of Azure services available. Key options include:

• Home: A return to your personalised dashboard.
• Resource Groups: Organise your resources into groups for better management.
• All Services: A comprehensive list of all Azure services, categorised for easier navigation.
• Marketplace: Access thousands of third-party applications and Azure services.
• Help + Support: Find documentation, tutorials, and support options.

Creating a Resource

Creating resources in Azure is straightforward. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to creating a virtual machine:

1. Click on “Create a resource” in the upper left corner.
2. Select “Compute” from the categories and then choose “Virtual Machine.”
3. Fill in the required details, including the subscription, resource group, and virtual machine specifications like operating system and size.
4. Review your selections and click “Create.”

The deployment of your resources may take a few moments, after which you will receive a notification confirming the successful creation.

Monitoring and Management

Once you have created resources, the Azure Portal also provides monitoring and management capabilities. To monitor your resources:

1. Click on “All Resources” from the left menu.
2. Select the resource you wish to monitor, such as a virtual machine.
3. Review options such as metrics, logs, and alerts.

Azure Monitor is integrated into the portal, providing insights into the performance and health of your resources.

Using the Search Bar

At the top of the Azure Portal, you will see a search bar. This feature allows you to quickly locate resources, services, or even documentation by simply entering keywords. This is especially useful when managing numerous resources.

Safeguarding Your Account

As you navigate the portal, it’s crucial to think about security. Here are a few tips:

• Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Adds an extra layer of security to your account.
• Regularly Review Permissions: Manage user permissions to ensure that only authorised personnel have access to sensitive resources.
• Monitor Activity Logs: Keep an eye on user activity to detect any unusual behaviour or unauthorised access.

Exploring Learning Resources

To enhance your Azure skills, explore Microsoft’s extensive documentation, tutorials, and learning paths available in the Azure Portal. The Azure Learning Pathways offer a structured way to learn about specific services, ideal for beginners.

Conclusion

Navigating the Azure Portal can initially seem daunting, but with a bit of exploration and practice, it becomes an invaluable tool for managing cloud resources. The key is to take your time, customise your dashboard, and take advantage of the plethora of resources available. Over time, you will find yourself more comfortable and efficient in utilising Azure to meet your cloud computing needs. Happy cloud computing!