Updating this post with a new and improved step by step guide (created by Tony Bailey)...

Once we flip Windows Azure into production mode , it won’t be the free flowing sandbox it is today.  I suggest you kick the tires to see how to create an Azure app now, so you get a sense of how it works.

This step by step guide results in a simple web site:

http://blogs.technet.com/webtech/archive/2009/10/17/host-a-simple-website-on-the-windows-azure-platform.aspx

I hope you find it helpful in getting to know Windows Azure.

Reminder: we are taking nominations for the first Azure focused BizSpark Incubation Week (taking place the week of Nov 9) here.