How do I acquire access to a Windows facility in the cloud to facilitate a return to learning databases related to Windows (Access and then SQL server)

Question

I used to work with Windows PC’s and Server for many years before I retired. In my time I’ve held MCP and MSCA Certifications. Nowadays I use an Apple iMac PC as my main home PC. I do have a subscription to Microsoft Office 365 and I use many of those components still on the iMac and save to OneDrive. Alas Microsoft Access Database is not one of the components that can be installed on a Mac and I’m trying to find a way of re-connecting to databases where my strengths and knowledge used to lie – Access, SQL Server and even Oracle DBs.

I have the App called Remote Desktop installed on my iMac and I know it did work in the past but I have no access to Windows machines at all now.

What I want to ask you about it this – with my Microsoft username and password is it possible to logon to some service such as Azure or Microsoft Learning centre? Would it then be possible to have access to an environment where I could create a Windows VM with Windows 10 or 11 on it ? I think I could then connect into Office 365 with my outlook username and download Access DB from my Office 365 subscription and then install it on the VM - which would then allow me to get back to studying Access and doing some work in databases again.

It's just that I am a little unsure where do I start to put that scenario in place and to establish how much it would cost me for cloud connectivity and VM creation / hire and how much to host annually and stuff like that …

Perhaps you could advise me of options – if Microsoft can’t do it, is there any commercial data centre type business or a business hub out there that could host VM’s for me (I’m thinking Access DB now but maybe getting back into SQL Server after that). I live in Ireland.

I’d be interested in following this up but it would be cost dependent and I don't really have the funds to buy myself a high spec Windows PC for home right now.

 

Answer 1

@Garrett Boggan

Welcome to the Microsoft Q&A community.

It's great to hear that you're looking to reconnect with your database skills. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

Step 1: Accessing Azure with Your Microsoft Credentials

Yes, you can use your Microsoft username and password to log in to Azure. Once logged in, you can create a Windows Virtual Machine (VM) with Windows 10 or 111. This will allow you to install Microsoft Access and connect to your databases.

Step 2: Creating a Windows VM on Azure

You can create a Windows VM on Azure using the Azure Portal. Here's a brief overview of the process:

Sign in to Azure: Use your Microsoft credentials to log in.

Create a VM: Follow the steps to create a new VM, selecting the appropriate Windows image (Windows 10 or 11).

Configure the VM: Choose the VM size and other configurations based on your needs.

Connect to the VM: Once the VM is created, you can connect to it using Remote Desktop.

Step 3: Cost Estimation

The cost of using Azure services can vary based on your usage. Here are some key points:

VM Pricing: Azure offers a variety of VM sizes and pricing options. You can use the Azure Pricing Calculator to estimate your costs1.

Free Tier: Azure provides a free tier that includes 750 hours each of B1s, B2pts v2 (Arm-based), and B2ats v2 (AMD-based) burstable VMs free every month for 12 months.

Additional Costs: Be aware of potential additional costs for storage, networking, and other services.

Step 4: Alternative Hosting Options

If Azure isn't the right fit, there are other commercial data center hosting services in Ireland that you can consider:

• Amazon Web Services (AWS): AWS offers a wide range of cloud services, including VM hosting.
• Google Cloud Platform (GCP): GCP also provides VM hosting and other cloud services.
• Local Hosting Providers: There are several local hosting providers in Ireland that offer VM hosting services.

See: https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/pricing/details/virtual-machines/windows/