Azure Windows VPS Setup

I need a brand-new Windows-based VPS spun up on Microsoft Azure and configured so I can reliably host several small static websites and handle their associated email accounts.

Here’s what I’m after:
• Provision and secure a fresh Azure VM running Windows Server (latest LTS release).
• Install and configure Apache as the primary web server—optimised for fast delivery of static sites.
• Set up a lightweight mail service on the same VPS (for example hMailServer or another Windows-friendly solution) so each domain can send and receive email.
• Create the initial virtual hosts and DNS records for two sample domains to prove everything works end-to-end.
• Harden the server: enable the Azure firewall, apply SSL/TLS (Let’s Encrypt or similar), close unused ports, and set up basic monitoring/backups.
• Document each step so I can replicate, maintain, and expand the setup later.

A clean, functional environment and clear hand-over notes are the key deliverables.