Welcome to the world of Azure, Microsoft’s ever-expanding cloud computing service. If you’re new to Azure, you might feel overwhelmed by the plethora of tools and services at your disposal. Fear not! This blog will introduce you to the core solutions and tools that will help you navigate the Azure landscape with ease.

Azure Portal

The Azure Portal is your one-stop-shop for managing all your Azure services. It’s a web-based, user-friendly interface where you can create, configure, and monitor everything from virtual machines to databases. Think of it as the command center for your Azure operations. You can access it from any web browser, and it provides a visual representation of your resources, making it easier to understand and manage them.

Azure Cloud Shell

Azure Cloud Shell is a browser-accessible shell that provides you with a command-line interface directly in the Azure Portal. It’s preconfigured to work with your Azure resources, and it supports both Bash and PowerShell. With Cloud Shell, you don’t need to install anything on your local machine to start running scripts or commands; it’s all available in your browser.

Azure PowerShell

Azure PowerShell is a set of cmdlets (pronounced “command-lets”) that allow you to manage Azure resources directly from the PowerShell command line. PowerShell is a powerful scripting language and shell framework used by many IT professionals. Azure PowerShell is particularly useful for automating repetitive tasks or for users who prefer a script-based interaction.

Azure CLI

The Azure Command-Line Interface (CLI) is another tool for managing Azure resources. It’s cross-platform, meaning it can run on Windows, macOS, or Linux. If you’re familiar with using terminal commands, you’ll feel right at home with Azure CLI. It’s great for those who prefer a command-line experience and need a tool that can be integrated into scripts for automation.

Azure Arc

Azure Arc is like a universal remote control for managing different computing resources, no matter where they are located. Imagine you have various screens—some in your living room, some in other houses, and even some at your friends’ places. Now, Azure Arc allows you to control all these screens from your couch, using just one remote. In technical terms, it lets you manage servers, databases, and Kubernetes clusters located outside of Microsoft’s Azure cloud, as if they were right there in Azure. It’s designed to simplify complex environments and bring the convenience of Azure’s management capabilities to a wide range of IT resources, wherever they may be.

Getting Started with Azure Tools

To get started with these tools, follow these steps:

• Sign in to the Azure Portal: Go to portal.azure.com and sign in with your Azure account. This will be your primary interface for managing resources.
• Launch Azure Cloud Shell: Click on the Cloud Shell icon in the top navigation bar of the Azure Portal. Choose between Bash or PowerShell, depending on your preference. You can find the installation guide on the official Azure documentation.
• Install Azure PowerShell: If you want to use Azure PowerShell locally, install it on your machine. You can find the installation guide on the official Azure documentation.
• Install Azure CLI: If you prefer Azure CLI, install it on your local system. It’s available for download on the Azure website. You can find the installation guide on the official Azure documentation.
• Install Azure Arc: Go to the Azure Portal, get a special setup file, and run that file on your computer. This connects your computer to Azure and lets you manage it from there. It’s like adding your computer to a list of trusted devices on Azure. You can find the installation guide on the official Azure documentation.

Conclusion

Azure offers a robust set of tools to manage your cloud resources effectively. Whether you prefer a graphical interface or a command-line approach, Azure has you covered. Start with the Azure Portal, experiment with Cloud Shell, and then dive into PowerShell and CLI as you become more comfortable. With these tools at your disposal, you’ll be well on your way to becoming an Azure pro!

Justin Tadros is a Project Manager and Data Analyst at The Training Boss. Justin has a bachelor degree in Theater performance from Rollins College and currently pursuing his Masters in business at the University of Center Florida.  Justin is certified on Microsoft Power BI and Progress Sitefinity Sales accreditation with on going training on Python and CMS technologies.  Justin performs in theaters in Orlando, Boston, Alaska and stand up comic whenever the opportunity arises.  His passion for performing and bringing incredible customer service to any industry he approaches is second to his commitment, dedication and hard work.