A Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up Virtual Machines in Microsoft Azure

Introduction

Microsoft Azure is a cloud computing platform that provides a wide range of services, including virtual machines. Virtual machines are a great way to quickly deploy and manage applications in the cloud. In this article, we will discuss few steps to create virtual machines through Azure Portal. By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of how to create virtual machines in Microsoft Azure.

What is a Virtual Machine and it’s Benefits ?

Virtual machines are a type of computer system that allows you to run multiple operating systems on one physical machine. This means that you can run multiple applications and services on one machine, without having to purchase multiple physical machines.

Creating virtual machines in Microsoft Azure can provide your business with a number of benefits. Here are just a few of the advantages of creating virtual machines in Microsoft Azure:

1. Cost Savings: Creating virtual machines in Microsoft Azure can help you save money on hardware costs. You don’t have to purchase multiple physical machines, which can be expensive.

2. Increased Efficiency: Virtual machines can help you increase your business’s efficiency. You can run multiple applications and services on one machine, which can help you save time and money.

3. Scalability: Virtual machines can be easily scaled up or down depending on your business’s needs. This means that you can quickly and easily add or remove resources as needed.

4. Security: Microsoft Azure provides a secure environment for your virtual machines. You can rest assured that your data is safe and secure.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Virtual Machines in Microsoft Azure

Are you ready to take the plunge into the world of virtual machines? If so, Microsoft Azure is the perfect platform to get you started. With Azure, you can create virtual machines that are hosted in the cloud, allowing you to access them from anywhere in the world.

Creating virtual machines in Azure is a simple process that can be completed in just a few steps. Though there are three different ways to creating a virtual machine on Azure, but I will be making use ot Azure Resource for this tutorial, I might write a blog post about the other two ways later, which are Azure CLI and Azure PowerShell.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started:

Step 1: Log into the Azure Portal

The first step is to log into the Azure Portal via portal.azure.com. That's if you already have an account, but if it's your first time, you will need to sign up. I would advise you to sign up for an Azure free account, where you can receive a $200 credit to use during the first month. Microsoft can issue the free $200 credit only if you sign up for a free account. After the first month, you can choose to upgrade. The image below shows the Azure dashboard interface, where you can manage your Azure resources. Once you’ve logged in, you’ll be able to access all of the features and services that Azure has to offer

Step 2: Create a Resource Group

A resource group is a logical container that holds related resources for an Azure solution. Before you can create a virtual machine, you’ll need to create a resource group. To do this, search for Resource Group from the search feed at the top corner of your dashboard or tap on “Create Resource” from your dashboard, it’s like a “+ Add” button, which you can use to create a new resource group.

Give your resources group a unique name for easy identification and choose a region for your resource group. Region of a resource group determines the physical location where those resources are deployed within Azure's global data center infrastructure, you might want to choose a Region closer to where you serve your business. Also note that you won't be able to create a resource group if you don't have a subscription, so it's either you are on free account or pay as you go, else you won't be able to do anything on your azure portal

Once you are done filling the necessary details, just tap on "Create"

Step 3: Create a Virtual Machine

Once you’ve created a resource group, you’re ready to create a virtual machine. To do this, click on the “Virtual Machines” link in the left-hand navigation menu. Then, click the “Create” button to create a new virtual machine.

Step 4: Configure the Virtual Machine

The next step is to configure the virtual machine. But you need to have an Azure Subscription, else you won’t be able to proceed.. The first thing to do is to choose an azure subscription then:

• Choose A Name for Your Virtual Machine

Choosing a name for your virtual machine can be helpful for Easy identification, Organization and personalization.

• Choose A Region + Availability Zone

Azure region refers to a geographical location where Microsoft Azure data centers are located. These data centers are used to host and run cloud services, virtual machines, storage, and other resources for Azure customers. While an availability zone is a physically separate data center within an Azure region that is equipped with independent power, cooling, and networking infrastructure. Availability zones are designed to provide high availability and fault tolerance for your applications and services by ensuring that they are distributed across multiple data centers.

• Configure VM Size

Select the appropriate VM size based on your workload requirements. Azure provides a range of options with different performance characteristics and resource allocations.

• Set Authentication and Management

Specify authentication settings, such as username and password, or SSH key, to access your VM. Additionally, you can configure advanced management options like monitoring, boot diagnostics, and extensions. There are different between each authentication, which I will explain in my next blog but for now I will advice you use username and password as a beginner, so that you can easily access your VM via RDP

Configure Networking

Set up networking options for your VM, including virtual networks, subnets, public IP addresses, and network security groups. This ensures secure and efficient communication for your VM.

Step 7: Review and Create

Carefully review the configuration settings you've selected for your VM. Once you're satisfied, click on "Create" to initiate the deployment process.

Step 8: Monitor and Manage Your VM

Once your VM is created, you can monitor its performance, manage its resources, and perform various operations using the Azure Portal or command-line tools.

Congratulations! You've successfully created your first virtual machine in Azure. Now you have the power to run applications, host websites, or perform any other computing tasks in the cloud.

Keep exploring and experimenting with Azure's virtual machine capabilities, and you'll unlock a world of opportunities to optimize your workloads and scale your applications seamlessly.

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Q&A

Q1: What are the Other ways to create a virtual machine in Microsoft Azure?

A: The other ways to create a virtual machine in Microsoft Azure are:
1. Using Azure PowerShell
2. Using Azure CLI
3. Using Azure Resource Manager Templates.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Microsoft Azure provides four different ways to create virtual machines, each with its own advantages. The four methods are the Azure Portal, Azure PowerShell, Azure CLI, and Azure Resource Manager. Depending on your needs and preferences, one of these methods can be used to create a virtual machine in Microsoft Azure.