Getting Started with the Microsoft Azure Compute Module

After setting up your Azure account, it's time to explore the Azure Compute module. This guide provides a step-by-step approach to navigating key components within Azure, starting with logging into your account and understanding the basics of managing compute resources.

Microsoft Azure - Compute Module Made Simple

In the last chapter, we learned how to create an Azure account. Now, let's dive into the step-by-step process of working with various components in Azure.

Step 1: Logging into Azure

First things first, log in to your Azure account.

Step 2: Starting with Compute

Once logged in, look to the bottom left corner and click on ‘New’. Next, drag your cursor over to ‘Compute’. Here, you'll see a list of different models under the Compute section.

Creating a Web App

Step 1: Choose Web App

To get started, click on ‘Web App’.

Step 2: Quick Create

Click on ‘Quick Create’. You'll be asked to enter the URL for your web app and choose a service plan from a dropdown list.

Once you've done this, head back to the main screen. Here, you’ll see the website you've just created. When you click on the website URL, it will take you directly to your new site.

If you prefer more control over the setup, you can choose ‘From Gallery’ instead of ‘Quick Create’ when creating your web app. This allows you to select the development framework you want to use for your app.

Azure supports several programming languages and frameworks, including .Net, Java, PHP, Python, Node.js, and Ruby. There are multiple ways to publish your code to the Azure server, such as using FTP, FTPS, or Microsoft Web Deploy technology. You can also use source control tools like GitHub, Dropbox, or Codeplex. The interface is very user-friendly, making it easy to keep track of changes you've made and those still pending.

Creating a Virtual Machine

Step 1: Choose Virtual Machine

Click on ‘Virtual Machine’ from the list under Compute.

Step 2: Select from Gallery

Click on ‘From Gallery’.

Step 3: Choose Your OS or Program

Select the Operating System (OS) or program you want to run on your virtual machine.

Step 4: Configure Your VM

Choose the configuration options and fill in the required details. The Username and Password you set here will be needed every time you access the virtual machine. For now, you can leave the default values as they are on the next two screens.

Step 5: Wait for Your VM to Appear

After a few minutes, the virtual machine you created will show up under the ‘Virtual Machine’ section on the left panel.

Step 6: Connect to Your VM

Once your VM is ready, you can connect to it by clicking on the connect icon at the bottom of the screen. This action will download a .rpd file to your machine. Choose ‘save file’, and it will be saved to your default download location or another folder you select.

Step 7: Access Your VM

Open the downloaded .rpd file, and you can connect to the VM by entering the credentials you set up earlier.

You can also use your own custom image by capturing the image of an existing virtual machine or virtual hard drive. Virtual machines offer several advantages:

  • You can try out a new operating system without actually installing it on your physical machine.
  • You can easily delete the VM once you're done with it.
  • New versions of an OS can be tested before full installation on your machine.
  • VMs offer an economical and hassle-free way to use a specific development framework or tool that requires a particular OS version.

Creating a Mobile Service

Mobile services in Azure are optimized to provide a cloud backend for applications that run on mobile devices. Here's how to create one:

Step 1: Select Mobile Services

Under Compute, choose Mobile Services and click on ‘Create’. A new window will open.

Step 2: Fill in the Details

Enter the URL, select your database, region, and backend.

Step 3: Advanced Push Settings (Optional)

If you want to configure advanced push settings, check the box provided. This allows you to use an existing notification hub or specify a new one. If you leave it unchecked, Azure will create a new hub with a default name in a new namespace.

Creating a Batch Service

Batch services are useful when you need to run large-scale applications that require high-performance computing in parallel. Developers can create batches to run tasks simultaneously, reducing workload without extra cost. Azure only charges for the virtual machines in use. Tasks can be scheduled, placed in queues, and workload managed in the cloud. Creating a batch service doesn't require setting up a separate VM, cluster, or job scheduling.

To create a batch service, follow the same steps you used for creating other services under the Compute model. After creating a batch service, you can view its details by selecting it from the left panel.

This straightforward guide should help you confidently navigate Azure's Compute Module.