[ubuntu] SSH on Ubuntu VM hosted on Windows Server 2012

Hello,
I am very new to Ubuntu.
We have a Windows server 2012 in our environment. I want a Virtual Machine with Ubuntu installed on it and from there I want to connect to the Ubuntu VM via SSH.
1. Please advise whether this is possible
2. Can I have a GUI on the Ubuntu VM?
3. What is the best version of Ubuntu to use? (pls note this instance will be used as a production server)
4. What is the best SSH to use?
5. Where can I get the instructions of the installation of Ubuntu and SSH?

Many thanks.