☁️ Starting Fresh in Microsoft Azure and Data & AI

If you’ve never used Microsoft Azure before, welcome. You’re in good company. Most of us started by clicking something we didn’t understand and then Googling how to undo it.

Azure is Microsoft’s cloud platform. That means instead of running software on your own computer or server, you use Microsoft’s giant network of computers to do the heavy lifting. It’s like renting a supercomputer, but you only pay for what you use. And you don’t have to worry about dust bunnies in the server rack.

What Is Azure, and Why Should You Care?

Azure lets you build websites, store data, run apps, and even train artificial intelligence, all online. You don’t need to install anything fancy. You just need a browser, a Microsoft account, and a little curiosity.

Here are two key parts of Azure’s Data & AI world:

• Microsoft Fabric: If you're using Azure Commercial, Fabric is your all-in-one data toolbox. It helps you collect, clean, analyze, and visualize data. Think of it like Excel, Power BI, and a data warehouse had a very smart baby.

• Azure Data Factory (ADF): If you’re using Azure Government (which some public sector folks do), ADF helps you move data from one place to another. It’s like a conveyor belt for your spreadsheets, databases, and files.

🎓 Start with Certifications: Azure Fundamentals and Azure Data Fundamentals

If you're brand new to cloud and data, these two certifications are the perfect launchpad:

• Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900)   This cert teaches you the basics of cloud computing, Azure services, pricing, and security. No tech background needed.

• Azure Data Fundamentals (DP-900)   This one focuses on data concepts like databases, analytics, and how Azure handles data. Great if you're curious about Microsoft Fabric or Azure Data Factory.

How to Study

• Use Microsoft Learn’s free modules. They’re interactive and beginner friendly.

  • Microsoft Learn for AZ-900

  • Microsoft Learn for DP-900

  • Microsoft Fabric

• Watch John Savill’s certification prep videos. He breaks down each topic with diagrams and real-world examples. His videos are perfect for beginners. He even has a “Master Class” series that walks you through everything step by step.

  • John Savill’s AZ-900

  • John Savill’s DP-900

• Take practice tests. They help you get used to the question format and identify weak spots.

  • Schedule your exam when you feel 70 percent confident. The other 30 percent will show up when the adrenaline kicks in.

Try a Live Class: Microsoft Training Days

• Microsoft Training Days   Free online classes taught by real humans. You’ll learn about Azure, AI, and other cloud topics. No pop quizzes, just practical knowledge.

🛠️ What Should You Try First?

Start small. You don’t need to build a rocket launcher on day one.

Here are a few beginner-friendly ideas:

• Create a free Azure account and explore the dashboard

• Use Azure Data Factory to move a file from one folder to another

• Try Power BI to build a simple report with sample data

• Watch a tutorial and follow along, even if you don’t understand every detail

Mistakes are part of the process. If something breaks, that’s normal. If something works, celebrate with snacks.

What About AI?

Microsoft makes it easy to try artificial intelligence, even if you’ve never coded before.

• Use Copilot in Fabric to ask questions about your data in plain English

• Explore Azure OpenAI Service to see how chatbots and smart apps are built

• Try Machine Learning Studio to build a simple prediction model (like guessing house prices)

You don’t need to be a data scientist. You just need to be curious.

Starting with Azure and Microsoft’s Data & AI tools is like learning to ride a bike. You’ll wobble, maybe fall, but eventually you’ll cruise. And once you get the hang of it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without the cloud.

So, take a deep breath, open your browser, and start exploring. You’ve got this.