What Every Beginner Should Know About Azure Services
Starting with Microsoft Azure can feel confusing at first. There are so many tools, features, and new terms to figure out. But if you’re aiming for Microsoft certifications, especially the AZ-900 exam, learning the basics of Azure services is the smartest way to begin.
Let’s go step by step and keep things simple.
What Is Microsoft Azure?
Think of Microsoft Azure as a powerful cloud platform. It lets you run software, store data, and manage networks online instead of using your own physical servers.
You basically rent computing power and storage from Microsoft’s data centers. It’s like using someone else’s computer — but much stronger and more secure.
With Azure, you can:
- Host your website or apps
- Keep your data safe and backed up
- Run virtual machines for testing or production
- Manage databases easily
- Work with AI and data analytics
The best part? You pay only for what you actually use.
Why Beginners Should Learn Azure
If you’re starting a career in tech, Azure can open a lot of doors. It’s one of the most trusted cloud platforms in the world, and companies everywhere depend on it.
Learning Azure gives you a big advantage because cloud computing is the future of IT. That’s why Microsoft certifications are valuable — they show that you’ve got the right skills and knowledge to work with modern technology.
Starting Point: The AZ-900 Certification
If you’re new to Azure, the AZ-900: Microsoft Azure Fundamentals certification is the perfect place to start. It’s built for beginners and helps you understand the main ideas behind cloud computing.
Here’s what the AZ-900 exam teaches you:
- What cloud computing is and how it works
- The difference between IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS
- Azure pricing models and support options
- Key security and compliance features
- How to manage resources inside Azure
Most AZ-900 questions revolve around these basic ideas.
Key Azure Services You Should Know
Azure has hundreds of services, but you don’t need to learn them all right away. Start with the main ones listed below.
- Compute Services
These handle the actual processing power behind your apps.
- Virtual Machines (VMs): Run your programs just like on a normal computer.
- App Services: Host web and mobile apps easily.
- Azure Functions: Run small bits of code without setting up servers.
- Storage Services
Azure storage is secure and scalable, perfect for growing businesses.
- Blob Storage: Keeps large files like videos and images.
- File Storage: Shares files between multiple users or systems.
- Disk Storage: Stores data for virtual machines.
- Networking Services
These keep your apps and data connected across the web.
- Virtual Network (VNet): Builds a private, safe network in the cloud.
- Load Balancer: Splits incoming traffic for better speed and reliability.
- VPN Gateway: Connects your local network to Azure’s cloud.
- Database Services
Azure gives you flexible database options.
- Azure SQL Database: For structured data and relational models.
- Cosmos DB: For global apps that need fast access everywhere.
- Azure Database for MySQL/PostgreSQL: Ideal for open-source database projects.
- AI and Machine Learning
Azure makes artificial intelligence easy to use.
- Cognitive Services: Adds vision, speech, and text analysis to your apps.
- Azure Bot Service: Builds chatbots that can talk to users naturally.
- Azure Machine Learning: Trains and deploys data models quickly.
Azure Pricing Basics
Pricing is one of the top AZ-900 exam topics, so here’s a simple breakdown.
Azure follows a pay-as-you-go plan. That means you only pay for what you use, without long-term commitments.
Azure also offers:
- Free tier: Perfect for testing and learning with limited usage.
- Reserved instances: Great for discounts on long-term projects.
- Cost management tools: Track and control your cloud spending easily.
Azure Security and Compliance
Security is a big deal in cloud computing, and Microsoft takes it seriously.
Here are a few tools every beginner should know:
- Azure Security Center: Keeps your resources monitored and safe.
- Azure Key Vault: Stores sensitive keys and secrets securely.
- Azure Sentinel: Detects and manages security threats.
Azure follows international compliance standards, which is why so many organizations trust it for data protection.
How to Prepare for the AZ-900 Exam
If you’re just getting started, follow this simple plan:
Step 1: Learn the Basics
Start with Microsoft’s free Azure Fundamentals learning path. It’s made for beginners.
Step 2: Practice Questions
Solve AZ-900 practice questions regularly to get used to the format.
Step 3: Take Mock Tests
Attempt mock exams online to test your knowledge under real conditions.
Step 4: Review Important Topics
Focus on cloud types, pricing, and Azure architecture — these show up often.
Step 5: Stay Current
Azure updates often, so review the latest features before your exam date.
Why Microsoft Certifications Matter
Getting certified in Azure can do wonders for your career. It’s proof that you know how cloud systems work and that you can handle real-world tasks.
Here’s what you gain:
- Better job opportunities in IT and tech fields
- Higher salary potential
- A solid foundation for advanced certifications like AZ-104 or AZ-204
- Confidence to work on real Azure projects
Common Topics in AZ-900 Questions
To give you an idea of what the exam looks like, here are some common question areas:
- Difference between public, private, and hybrid clouds
- How Azure keeps data safe
- Which service stores unstructured data
- Factors that affect Azure costs
- Tools for monitoring cloud performance
These questions focus on your understanding, not just memorizing facts.
Final Thoughts
Learning Azure doesn’t have to feel hard. Take small steps, study a little every day, and practice AZ-900 questions. Once you pass your first Microsoft certification, you’ll be ready to move toward more advanced roles in cloud computing.
FAQs
Q1: Is Azure hard to learn for beginners?
Not really. If you start with the AZ-900 course, everything is taught in simple terms, even for people with no tech background.
Q2: How long does it take to prepare for the AZ-900 exam?
Most people need two to four weeks of steady study, depending on their schedule and experience level.
Q3: Do I need coding knowledge for AZ-900?
No. The AZ-900 exam focuses on concepts, not coding.
Q4: Can I take the AZ-900 exam online?
Yes, you can take it from home through Microsoft’s online exam system.
Q5: What happens after passing AZ-900?
You can move on to higher-level certifications like AZ-104 (Administrator) or AZ-204 (Developer) to keep growing your skills.
