Ubuntu Server Setup & Maintenance

I have an Ubuntu server that needs a clean, well-documented setup. Your job is to carry out routine maintenance, apply all current security updates, and install plus configure the software stack we agree on. I only need monitoring put in place for the initial hand-off; once the baseline alerts are working and you have shown me how to review them, the day-to-day watching becomes my responsibility.

Deliverables:
• Fully patched and hardened Ubuntu instance
• Requested software installed, configured, and tested
• Basic monitoring/alerting enabled and documented
• A short hand-over note summarising every command and config change

Please be comfortable working over SSH with common tools such as apt, UFW/iptables, and systemd services, and be ready to explain what you’ve done in plain language so I can maintain the server afterward.