Getting Started with Azure Virtual Machines: A Step-by-Step Guide

For organizations looking to scale, migrating server workloads to the cloud is a crucial step. If you're considering Azure for your infrastructure, Azure Virtual Machines (VMs) offer a powerful solution that gives you full control over the operating system, configuration, and applications.

Here’s a streamlined guide to help you deploy your first VM on Azure:

1 Accessing the Azure Portal

Begin by logging into the Azure Portal. If you don’t already have an account, you can sign up for a free trial, though note that Marketplace services will require a pay-as-you-go subscription.

2. Creating a Resource

Once inside, click "Create a Resource" on the top left-hand side of the portal. From here, you can browse various resource categories, but for deploying a VM, navigate to the "Compute" section. You can choose between Linux or Windows VMs based on your workload needs.

3. Using Pre-Built Solutions

Azure’s Marketplace is filled with thousands of pre-built applications and configurations from Microsoft and its partners, which can significantly speed up deployment. However, for free trial accounts, you'll need to upgrade to a pay-as-you-go subscription to access these.

4. Quick Start with Azure Virtual Machines

If you're just starting, the Quick Start Center provides a simple way to get up and running. Select "Deploy a Virtual Machine", and you’ll be guided through the process step-by-step.

5. Configuring Your Virtual Machine

Here’s where you configure the essentials:

• Subscription: Choose which Azure subscription the VM will be associated with.
• Resource Group: This acts as a container for related resources. For simplicity, name your resource group based on the VM.
• Region: Select a location close to your customer base or user needs. For instance, if most of your users are in the U.S., select a region like East U.S..
• Availability Options: Depending on your redundancy requirements, you can choose from Availability Zones or Availability Sets.

6. VM Size and Security

Azure offers a range of VM sizes depending on your workload. You can select from the most popular options, or filter based on your specific requirements (CPU, memory, etc.). For lighter workloads, a standard configuration like D2asv4 (2 CPUs, 8 GB RAM) works well. For more demanding tasks, Azure provides powerful VMs with up to hundreds of CPUs or GPUs for AI and rendering tasks.

Additionally, choose security types such as Trusted Launch or Confidential VMs based on your security needs.

7. Finalizing Deployment

Once you've selected your VM’s specs, you’ll set up credentials, network configurations, and optional storage. When ready, review your settings to ensure everything aligns with your business needs and budget. Azure provides clear pricing details to help manage costs.

Hit "Create" to deploy the VM, and in a few minutes, your virtual machine will be ready.

8. Managing and Connecting to Your VM

Post-deployment, managing the VM is straightforward via the Azure portal. Whether you’re using RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol) for Windows or SSH for Linux, Azure’s built-in tools make connecting seamless.

By following these steps, you’ll have your first Azure VM up and running, ready to handle workloads at scale. Whether you’re managing Windows or Linux environments, Azure provides the flexibility, power, and transparency you need to optimize your cloud infrastructure.

Need help getting started? Drop your questions in the comments! ??