A reader has prompted Microsoft to launch a vast new resource for easing the SQL Server set-up process. Okay, just maybe it's a coincidence. Anyway, reader Brian M.'s complaint about the difficulties ...
Consider ADO to access or CSV. It's probably a lot easier, especially if you're just working locally. Failing that, installing SQL is pretty easy.
A step-by-step guide to deploying, configuring, and testing a multi-AZ, multi-region SQL Server FCI in the Azure cloud, complete with a PowerShell script that handles the networking configuration.