Recently, I took the plunge into the world of containerization by installing Docker. Several years ago I kept hearing about containerization. I was familiar with virtualization did a Google what

Recently, I took the plunge into the world of containerization by installing Docker on my dusty old Dell computer, equipped with a quad-core 3.4GHz Intel Core i7-3770 and maxed out at 32GB of RAM. Several years ago I kept hearing about containerization. I was familiar with virtualization but didn’t know much about running apps in containers. Did a Google what

Eager to explore how Docker can simplify application development and deployment, I set out to familiarize myself with this powerful tool using Proxmox as my virtualization platform.

Getting Started

I decided to install Docker as a container within Proxmox, leveraging its capabilities to create a streamlined environment. The installation process was relatively straightforward, thanks to the wealth of online resources available.

First Impressions

After getting Docker up and running, I quickly loaded Portainer to make deploying virtual machines (VMs) and containers (CTs) easier. Running my first container with the hello-world image was a thrilling moment. Seeing the success message confirmed everything was working as expected, and I felt a sense of accomplishment. I allocated 14GB of RAM, 4 CPU cores, and 90GB of hard drive space to the Docker container I created, optimizing the performance on my old hardware.

Exploring Docker

With Docker installed and Portainer set up, I began to explore its capabilities further. I experimented with pulling and running various container images, including setting up a simple web server using Nginx. The convenience of quickly launching containers and managing services through Portainer was a game-changer for my workflow. Using Docker Compose also simplified the orchestration of multi-container applications, making it even more intuitive to manage.

Challenges Encountered

Despite the smooth installation, I faced a few challenges along the way. Navigating Docker’s networking configurations initially proved tricky, and I spent some time learning how to connect containers effectively. Additionally, getting accustomed to Docker’s command-line interface took some practice, but as I continued to use it, I became more comfortable with the commands.

Conclusion

Overall, installing Docker on my old Dell machine was a rewarding experience that opened up new avenues in application development. While there were some challenges, each one provided valuable lessons and insights. As I continue to explore Docker’s capabilities, I’m excited about the potential it holds for streamlining my future projects and enhancing my skills in the ever-evolving tech landscape. The combination of Proxmox, Docker, and Portainer has truly transformed my approach to virtualization and containerization.