How to create a new Azure Subscription and get Free stuff

The first step in creating a new Microsoft Azure Website is creating a new Microsoft Azure Subscription [if you don’t already have one, that is].  An Azure subscription is an account you create that acts as a container for all the various Azure resources you might use.  Although the term ‘subscription’ denotes some type of ongoing fee – creating a subscription itself is free, you don’t pay for anything until you start using resources.

If you already have an Azure subscription you can skip to the next section straight away.

The good news is that Azure has special introductory offers, so you can get a free trial when you create your new subscription.  This includes enough resources to run a DNN site for months – so you can really get to try the service before you pay a single cent.  For the free trial you don’t even have to get out your credit card, which is a bonus.

The steps are simple

1. Visit this link - http://www.windowsazure.com/en-us/pricing/free-trial/ and click on the ‘Try it now’ button 
   
   
   
   
   
   
2. Log on with a Microsoft account if you have one.  You might have a hotmail, live or other account.  If you don’t have one of those, you can create yourself an account (you don’t have to have a Microsoft based email to do so)
3. Once you are signed in, go through the signup process. 
   • Choose your Country/Region carefully.  This will set your billing currency and account location for the new subscription.  This can’t be changed once it is created.  So don’t be lazy and pick Afghanistan or Albania or whatever appears at the top of the list. 
   • You will have to verify either with a text message or telephone call – so have one of these communication devices at hand
   • You can skip the payment information if this is a new trial – otherwise you need to enter in the payment information that you will be billed with.
   • Tick the agreement boxes and click on ‘Sign up’

Once you have a new Azure Subscription created, then you’re ready to start creating fantastic new things in the cloud.  And your first will be a new DNN installation – read on.