Setting Up Docker on Your Machine

Setting up Docker on your machine is a straightforward process, whether you’re using Windows, macOS, or a Linux distribution. This guide will walk you through the installation steps for each operating system and help you verify that Docker is working correctly. Let’s dive right into the process!

Installing Docker on Windows

Step 1: System Requirements

Before you start the installation, make sure your system meets the following requirements:

Windows 10 64-bit: Pro, Enterprise, or Education (Build 15063 or later).
Enable the WSL 2 feature in Windows.
Virtualization must be enabled in your BIOS.

Step 2: Install WSL 2

If you haven't already, you need to install the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) and set it to version 2.

Open Windows PowerShell as an Administrator:
- Search for "PowerShell" in your Start Menu, right-click on it, and select "Run as administrator."
Install WSL:
```
wsl --install
```
Set WSL 2 as Default:
```
wsl --set-default-version 2
```

Step 3: Download Docker Desktop

Go to the Docker Desktop for Windows page.
Click on "Download Docker Desktop" and follow the prompts to download the installer.

Step 4: Install Docker Desktop

Once the download is complete, double-click the installer (.exe file).
Follow the installation wizard. Make sure to select the option to use WSL 2 when prompted.
After the installation is done, launch Docker Desktop.

Step 5: Verify Installation

To verify Docker is installed correctly, open a new command prompt or PowerShell window and run:

docker --version

You should see the version of Docker that is installed. Additionally, run:

docker run hello-world

This command will pull a test image and run it. If you see a message confirming that Docker is working, congratulations! You've successfully installed Docker on Windows.

Installing Docker on macOS

Step 1: System Requirements

Ensure your macOS version is at least macOS Sierra 10.12 or newer and that you have an Apple chip (M1 or M2) or Intel architecture.

Step 2: Download Docker Desktop

Visit the Docker Desktop for Mac page.
Click on “Download for Mac” to get the installer.

Step 3: Install Docker Desktop

Once the download is complete, double-click the .dmg file to open it.
Drag the Docker icon into the Applications folder.
Open the Applications folder and double-click on Docker to launch it. You may need to authorize Docker with your password.

Step 4: Start Docker

After Docker starts, you’ll see an icon in the status bar indicating that Docker is running.

Step 5: Verify Installation

Open a terminal and run the following command:

docker --version

This command will display the installed Docker version. Next, you can run:

docker run hello-world

If the image runs successfully and displays a welcome message, Docker has been installed correctly on your macOS.

Installing Docker on Linux

The installation process for Docker on Linux varies slightly based on different distributions. We’ll cover two of the most popular: Ubuntu and CentOS.

Ubuntu Installation

Step 1: Update Your System

Open a terminal and run:

sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get upgrade

Step 2: Install Required Packages

You will need a few prerequisite packages. Install them by running:

sudo apt-get install apt-transport-https ca-certificates curl software-properties-common

Step 3: Add Docker’s Official GPG Key

Run this command to add the GPG key:

curl -fsSL https://download.docker.com/linux/ubuntu/gpg | sudo apt-key add -

Step 4: Set Up the Stable Repository

Next, set up the Docker repository:

sudo add-apt-repository "deb [arch=amd64] https://download.docker.com/linux/ubuntu $(lsb_release -cs) stable"

Step 5: Install Docker CE (Community Edition)

Now, you can install Docker:

sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install docker-ce

Step 6: Start Docker and Enable it to Run at Startup

sudo systemctl start docker
sudo systemctl enable docker

Step 7: Verify Installation

To check if Docker is correctly installed, run:

docker --version

And to test it out:

docker run hello-world

If everything works well, you will see a confirmation message.

CentOS Installation

Step 1: Update Your System

Open your terminal and execute:

sudo yum check-update

Step 2: Install Required Packages

Install packages necessary for Docker:

sudo yum install -y yum-utils

Step 3: Set Up the Stable Repository

Add the Docker repository:

sudo yum-config-manager --add-repo https://download.docker.com/linux/centos/docker-ce.repo

Step 4: Install Docker CE

Install Docker:

sudo yum install docker-ce docker-ce-cli containerd.io

Step 5: Start Docker

Start the Docker service:

sudo systemctl start docker

Step 6: Enable Docker at Startup

sudo systemctl enable docker

Step 7: Verify Installation

Run the following command to check if Docker is installed:

docker --version

To confirm its functionality:

docker run hello-world

On success, it will print a confirmation message.

Troubleshooting Common Installation Issues

WSL Issues on Windows: Ensure virtualization is enabled in your BIOS and that you have the latest version of Windows.
Permission Denied Errors on Linux: If you encounter permission issues running Docker commands, consider adding your user to the Docker group:
```
sudo usermod -aG docker $USER
```
Log out and back in for the changes to take effect.
Docker Not Starting: On Windows or macOS, restart your system if Docker does not start smoothly. On Linux, check the status with:
```
sudo systemctl status docker
```

Conclusion

You’ve now set up Docker on your machine through a step-by-step process tailored for Windows, macOS, and Linux environments. You’re ready to start sharing and running containers with ease. As you explore the vast world of Docker, remember that a good foundation leads to great development practices. Happy Dockering!

DevOps - Docker