Learn Azure Fast: VM, Network & Storage Setup in 60 Minutes



This content originally appeared on DEV Community and was authored by PETER Samuel

If you have never used Microsoft Azure before, this guide will show you how to set up some basic resources in less than one hour.
We will create:

A Resource Group (a folder to keep everything together)

A Virtual Network (a private network inside Azure)

A Virtual Machine (a computer you can use in the cloud)

A Storage Account (a place to save files and data)

What You Need Before Starting

A Microsoft Azure account (you can use the free trial)

Internet access and a web browser

Around one hour of time

Step 1 – Create a Resource Group

A Resource Group is like a folder where all your project’s Azure items will be stored. It makes it easier to manage and delete everything later.

Go to Azure Portal

In the search bar at the top, type Resource Groups and select it

Click Create

Enter:

Resource group name:** guided-project-rg**

Region: leave it as the default option

Click Review + create, then click Create

Step 2 – Create a Virtual Network

A Virtual Network is like your own private internet inside Azure. Your virtual machine will connect to it.

From the home page, search for Virtual Networks

Click Create

Fill in:

Resource group: guided-project-rg

Name: guided-project-vnet

Leave all other settings as they are

Click Review + create, then Create

Step 3 – Create a Virtual Machine

A Virtual Machine is a computer that runs in the cloud. You can use it like any other computer.

Search for Virtual Machines

Click *Create *→ Virtual Machine

Fill in:

Resource group: guided-project-rg

Name: guided-project-vm

Image: Ubuntu Server 24.04 LTS (this is the operating system)

For login, choose Password and enter:

Username: guided-project-admin

Password: (choose your own password)

Leave the rest of the options as they are

Click Review + create, then Create

Step 4 – Create a Storage Account

A Storage Account is where you can keep files, backups, and other data in Azure.

Search for Storage Accounts

Click Create

Fill in:

Resource group: guided-project-rg

Name: (must be unique, for example: gpstoragedemo123)

Leave the rest as they are

Click Review + create, then Create

Wrapping Up

You have now created:

A Resource Group

A Virtual Network

A Virtual Machine

A Storage Account

If you don’t need these resources anymore, you can delete the Resource Group. This will delete everything inside it, so you won’t be charged for unused resources.

This is a simple way to get started with Microsoft Azure and understand the basics of how cloud computing works.


This content originally appeared on DEV Community and was authored by PETER Samuel