How to Install and Use Docker on Linux March 27, 2025

In this guide, you will learn how to install Docker on a Linux system and get started quickly, using Ubuntu Server 22.04 LTS, 24.04 LTS, and 25.04 as examples.

Containers have become a vital part of modern IT infrastructure due to their lightweight and efficient nature. They package everything required to run an application, such as code, libraries, runtime, and dependencies, without the need for a full operating system, unlike virtual machines. This allows businesses to deploy scalable and resource-efficient services, such as running multiple NGINX instances, with ease. Docker simplifies container management and integrates seamlessly with Linux-based systems.

Follow the steps:

1. System Update
   As Ubuntu Server lacks a graphical interface, all tasks will need to be carried out via the command line. Initially, ensure your system is up to date before installing Docker:

   sudo apt update
   sudo apt upgrade

   If a kernel update is part of the upgrade, remember to reboot the system afterwards:

   sudo reboot

2. Install Docker
   To install Docker on Ubuntu, run:

   sudo apt install docker.io

   For Fedora:

   sudo dnf install docker

   For CentOS 7:
   Use the Docker installation script:

   sudo yum check-update
   curl -fsSL https://get.docker.com/ | sh

3. Manage Docker Permissions
   By default, Docker commands require administrative privileges. To avoid using sudo with every Docker command, add your user to the docker group:

   sudo usermod -a -G docker $USER

   Log out and log back in.
   Note: Fedora users might need to create the Docker group manually:

   sudo groupadd docker
   sudo gpasswd -a ${USER} docker
   sudo systemctl restart docker
   newgrp docker

   Log out and log back in again.

4. Manage the Docker Service
   To start and enable Docker to launch at boot:

   sudo systemctl start docker
   sudo systemctl enable docker

   To stop or restart Docker:

   sudo systemctl stop docker
   sudo systemctl restart docker

5. Pull Docker Images
   Docker images are the foundation of containers. You can download images from Docker Hub.
   Check available images on your system:

   docker images

   To pull the latest official NGINX image:

   docker pull nginx

   Verify the image download:

   docker images

6. Search for Images
   To explore more images available on Docker Hub:

   docker search nginx

   For example, to pull an unofficial NGINX reverse proxy image:

   docker pull jwilder/nginx-proxy

You are now ready to deploy containers using the images you downloaded.

Docker makes application deployment fast, scalable, and portable. For more details, check Docker’s official documentation or run:

man docker

This method provides a straightforward approach to installing and using Docker on Linux.