The latest articles on DEV Community by Goni Sulaiman (@gonisulaiman). https://dev.to/gonisulaiman https://media2.dev.to/dynamic/image/width=90,height=90,fit=cover,gravity=auto,format=auto/https:%2F%2Fdev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fuploads%2Fuser%2Fprofile_image%2F2891386%2F1051f2b4-9700-40ed-b0e1-d8e9813b8c91.png https://dev.to/gonisulaiman en Goni Sulaiman Fri, 21 Feb 2025 08:33:03 +0000 https://dev.to/gonisulaiman/getting-started-with-microsoft-azure-a-beginners-guide-for-students-1ia2 https://dev.to/gonisulaiman/getting-started-with-microsoft-azure-a-beginners-guide-for-students-1ia2 <h1> <strong>Getting Started with Microsoft Azure: A Beginner’s Guide for Students</strong> </h1> <p>🚀 <em>By Goni Sulaiman</em> </p> <h2> <strong>Introduction</strong> </h2> <p>Cloud computing is transforming how we build, deploy, and scale applications. As a student and a <strong>Microsoft Learn Student Ambassador</strong>, I’ve seen firsthand how <strong>Microsoft Azure</strong> empowers developers and businesses. This guide will help beginners navigate Azure and kick-start their cloud journey. </p> <h2> <strong>What is Microsoft Azure?</strong> </h2> <p><strong>Microsoft Azure</strong> is a cloud computing platform that provides on-demand resources for building, testing, and deploying applications. It offers services across computing, networking, databases, AI, and IoT. </p> <h3> <strong>Why Should Students Learn Azure?</strong> </h3> <p>✅ <strong>Free Student Benefits</strong> – Microsoft provides $100 in free Azure credits through <a href="https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/free/students/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Azure for Students</a>.<br><br> ✅ <strong>Industry Demand</strong> – Cloud skills are highly valuable in today's tech job market.<br><br> ✅ <strong>Certifications</strong> – Azure certifications like <strong>AZ-900</strong> help students stand out.<br><br> ✅ <strong>Hands-on Learning</strong> – Free tools like <strong>Microsoft Learn</strong> offer guided labs and challenges. </p> <h2> <strong>Getting Started with Azure</strong> </h2> <h3> <strong>1️⃣ Sign Up for Azure for Students</strong> </h3> <ul> <li>Visit <a href="https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/free/students/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Azure for Students</a> and sign in with your university email. </li> <li>Get <strong>$100 in free Azure credits</strong> (no credit card required!). </li> </ul> <h3> <strong>2️⃣ Explore the Azure Portal</strong> </h3> <ul> <li>Visit the <strong><a href="https://portal.azure.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Azure Portal</a></strong>. </li> <li>The dashboard provides access to all Azure services. </li> </ul> <h3> <strong>3️⃣ Deploy Your First Virtual Machine (VM)</strong> </h3> <ol> <li>Go to the <strong>Azure Portal</strong> → Click <strong>"Virtual Machines"</strong> → Select <strong>"Create"</strong>. </li> <li>Choose a <strong>Windows or Linux VM</strong> and configure settings. </li> <li>Click <strong>"Review + Create"</strong> and launch your virtual machine. </li> </ol> <h3> <strong>4️⃣ Learn with Microsoft Learn</strong> </h3> <p>💡 Microsoft offers free, interactive learning paths on <strong><a href="https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/training/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Microsoft Learn</a></strong>. </p> <p>Start with these:<br><br> 📌 <strong>Azure Fundamentals</strong> – <a href="https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/certifications/exams/az-900/" rel="noopener noreferrer">AZ-900 Learning Path</a><br><br> 📌 <strong>AI on Azure</strong> – <a href="https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/certifications/exams/ai-900/" rel="noopener noreferrer">AI-900 Learning Path</a> </p> <h2> <strong>Conclusion</strong> </h2> <p>Microsoft Azure provides powerful tools for students to build real-world projects. Whether you’re exploring <strong>AI, DevOps, or Web Development</strong>, Azure has something for you. Take advantage of <strong>Azure for Students</strong>, start learning, and <strong>certify your skills</strong> today! </p> <p>🔗 <strong>Follow me on LinkedIn</strong> to stay updated on Microsoft technologies! 🚀 <a href="https://LinkedIn.com/in/gonisulaimann" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://LinkedIn.com/in/gonisulaimann</a></p> <h2> <strong>Next Steps</strong> </h2> <ul> <li>Sign up for <strong>Azure for Students</strong> </li> <li>Deploy a <strong>Virtual Machine</strong> </li> <li>Complete an <strong>Azure Learning Path</strong> </li> <li>Start preparing for the <strong>AZ-900 certification</strong> </li> </ul> <p>💬 <strong>What’s your first Azure project? Drop a comment below!</strong><br> <a href="https://media2.dev.to/dynamic/image/width=800%2Cheight=%2Cfit=scale-down%2Cgravity=auto%2Cformat=auto/https%3A%2F%2Fdev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fuploads%2Farticles%2Fr6vjht3igaxpi0tipxmc.jpeg" class="article-body-image-wrapper"><img src="https://media2.dev.to/dynamic/image/width=800%2Cheight=%2Cfit=scale-down%2Cgravity=auto%2Cformat=auto/https%3A%2F%2Fdev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fuploads%2Farticles%2Fr6vjht3igaxpi0tipxmc.jpeg" alt="Image description" width="739" height="415"></a></p> azure cloud microsoft students