How to Install Docker on a VPS

How to Install Docker on a VPS

Docker is a powerful platform that enables you to build, deploy, and manage applications in containers. This guide walks you through the steps to install Docker on your VPS.

Step 1: Update Your VPS System

• Log In to Your VPS:
  Use SSH to access your VPS:

  ssh user@your-vps-ip
  

• Update System Packages:
  Before installing Docker, update the package manager and upgrade existing packages:

  sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y
  

Step 2: Install Required Packages

• Install Dependencies:
  Docker requires a few prerequisite packages. Install them using:

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

Step 3: Add Docker's Official GPG Key and Repository

• Add Docker GPG Key:
  Import Docker's GPG key for secure installation:

  curl -fsSL https://download.docker.com/linux/ubuntu/gpg | sudo gpg --dearmor -o /usr/share/keyrings/docker-archive-keyring.gpg
  

• Add Docker Repository:
  Add Docker's stable repository to your system:

  echo "deb [arch=$(dpkg --print-architecture) signed-by=/usr/share/keyrings/docker-archive-keyring.gpg] https://download.docker.com/linux/ubuntu $(lsb_release -cs) stable" | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/docker.list > /dev/null
  

Step 4: Install Docker

• Update the Package Manager Again:
  Refresh the package list to include Docker's repository:

  sudo apt update
  

• Install Docker Engine:
  Install the Docker Engine:

  sudo apt install -y docker-ce docker-ce-cli containerd.io
  

Step 5: Verify Docker Installation

• Check Docker Version:
  Confirm the successful installation by running:

  docker --version
  

• Run a Test Container:
  Verify Docker's functionality by running a test container:

  sudo docker run hello-world
  

  • If successful, Docker will download and run the "hello-world" container, displaying a confirmation message.

Step 6: Manage Docker as a Non-Root User (Optional)

• Add Your User to the Docker Group:
  To avoid using sudo with every Docker command, add your user to the Docker group:

  sudo usermod -aG docker $USER
  

• Apply the Changes:
  Log out and back in to apply group changes, or run:

  newgrp docker
  

Step 7: Enable and Start Docker on Boot

• Enable Docker Service:
  Ensure Docker starts automatically after a reboot:

  sudo systemctl enable docker
  

• Start Docker Service:
  Start the Docker service if it isn't already running:

  sudo systemctl start docker
  

Step 8: Test Docker Installation with a Sample Image

• Run an Nginx Container:
  To further test Docker, run an Nginx web server container:

  docker run -d -p 80:80 nginx
  

  • Visit your VPS's IP address in a browser to see the Nginx welcome page.

Step 9: Keep Docker Updated

• Update Docker Periodically:
  Regularly update Docker to the latest stable version using:

  sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y
  

By following these steps, Docker is successfully installed and configured on your VPS. For advanced Docker usage or troubleshooting, contact QuickServers support.