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

In this guide, you’ll learn how to install Docker on a Linux system and get started quickly, using Ubuntu Server 16.04 as an example.

Containers have become a vital part of IT due to their lightweight and efficient nature. They package everything needed to run an application — code, libraries, runtime, and dependencies — without requiring a full operating system like virtual machines do. This allows businesses to easily deploy scalable and resource-friendly services, such as multiple NGINX instances. Docker makes managing containers simple and works seamlessly with Linux.

Prerequisites

Ensure that your Ubuntu Server 16.04 is installed and running.

Follow the steps:

1. System Update
   As Ubuntu Server 16.04 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

   1. 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 was the easiest way to Install and use Docker on Linux.