How to Set Up Docker on Your VPS (Ubuntu 22.04/24.04 Guide)

Docker packages an application and its dependencies into a container image. On an Ubuntu VPS, it provides a repeatable way to deploy services while keeping their environments separate.

Containers still need updates, resource planning and backups. This guide covers installing Docker Engine, checking the service and running a first container on Ubuntu 22.04 or 24.04.

Use a fresh VPS or review any existing container installation before changing packages. The commands below use a sudo-capable SSH account.

Key Takeaways

What Is Docker? Explained as Simply as Possible

Docker runs applications in containers that share the host kernel. Each image supplies the application and its user-space dependencies; a virtual machine instead runs its own guest operating system.

When using Docker, the application together with its required dependencies is encapsulated into a package. That enables easier deployment and portability.

Benefits of Running Docker with a VPS: some of the benefits of running Docker with a VPS include:

• Facility in application deployment
• Creation of a unique environment for every application
• Reduced dependency issues
• Increased speed in updating processes
• Effective use of resources
• Good possibilities of self-hosting
• Easier portability between servers

Container images package the application environment, but you still configure networking, storage, updates and credentials for each deployment.

Prerequisites: the following are needed to set up Docker:

• Ubuntu 22.04 or Ubuntu 24.04
• A VPS server with root or sudo privileges
• SSH connectivity
• System updates and upgrades
• Stable internet connectivity

Connect with a sudo-capable account over SSH, using the username and public IP address supplied for your VPS.

Connecting to Your VPS: connect to your VPS server using SSH:

ssh username@your-server-ip

ssh [email protected]

After signing in, prepare Ubuntu for the Docker installation.

Updating Ubuntu OS Before Installing Docker: begin by checking package lists and upgrading software packages.

sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade -y

Install required packages:

sudo apt install -y ca-certificates curl gnupg

Install Docker on Ubuntu 22.04/24.04

The steps below use Docker’s official Ubuntu repository. Review its prerequisites and conflicting-package guidance if Docker, containerd or Podman is already installed.

Install the Docker Official GPG Key: make the keyring directory:

sudo install -m 0755 -d /etc/apt/keyrings

Download the Docker GPG key:

curl -fsSL https://download.docker.com/linux/ubuntu/gpg | \
sudo gpg --dearmor -o /etc/apt/keyrings/docker.gpg

Set proper permissions:

sudo chmod a+r /etc/apt/keyrings/docker.gpg

Add Docker Repository

echo \
"deb [arch=$(dpkg --print-architecture) \
signed-by=/etc/apt/keyrings/docker.gpg] \
https://download.docker.com/linux/ubuntu \
$(. /etc/os-release && echo "$VERSION_CODENAME") stable" | \
sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/docker.list > /dev/null

Updating Package Information

sudo apt update

Installing Docker Engine

sudo apt install -y docker-ce docker-ce-cli containerd.io \
docker-buildx-plugin docker-compose-plugin

Checking Docker Installation: Let’s check whether Docker is installed properly.

Checking version number:

sudo docker --version

Expected output:

Docker version <installed-version>

sudo systemctl status docker

The service status should show active (running). If it is stopped, start it with sudo systemctl start docker. Press Q to exit the status view.

You can check for start-up settings also:

sudo systemctl is-enabled docker

Expected output:

enabled

Run Your First Docker Container: Docker offers a test container named hello-world.

sudo docker run hello-world

This will:

• Download the image
• Create a container
• Run the test
• Print a message

Docker is working properly if the message prints correctly.

Docker Basics Knowledge

Let us talk about some key concepts before you deploy your application.

Images are templates for creating containers.

For example:

• Nginx
• WordPress
• Ubuntu
• PostgreSQL
• Open WebUI

Containers: Containers are live instances of images. They can be started and stopped and restarted and deleted individually.

Volumes: Data can be stored permanently using volumes on the host machine. This will help make sure that the data is preserved despite recreating the containers.

Networking: The containers can communicate with each other via Docker networking. This becomes essential while working with different services.

Always wise to start with Docker Compose right from the beginning of application development. The configuration files will enable you to deploy the application and save a lot of time too.

Docker Commands for Any VPS Administrator to Remember

sudo docker ps

sudo docker ps -a

Download an image:

sudo docker pull nginx

Start a container:

sudo docker run nginx

Stop a container:

sudo docker stop container-name

Restart a container:

sudo docker restart container-name

Check logs:

sudo docker logs container-name

Get a shell within a container:

sudo docker exec -it container-name bash

Delete a container:

sudo docker rm container-name

This should handle most common tasks regarding managing Docker containers.

Deployment of Useful Software

Done with Docker testing. Now time to put it to use.

How to deploy Nginx?

Deploy an Nginx-based server:

sudo docker run -d \
--name nginx-server \
-p 8080:80 \
nginx

sudo docker ps

Open http://YOUR_SERVER_IP:8080 in a browser. The example publishes Nginx on port 8080; that port must be unused and reachable. Docker-published ports can bypass UFW rules, so apply the firewall guidance in Docker’s installation documentation.

Used Applications Which Can Be Found in Docker

A lot of very helpful applications that their developers offer through Docker are:

• WordPress
• Portainer
• Open WebUI
• Ollama
• n8n
• Private AI assistants

Installing such applications is likely going to be quicker through Docker.

Docker Containers Management

Starting container:

sudo docker start container-name

Stopping container:

sudo docker stop container-name

Restarting container:

sudo docker restart container-name

Removing container:

sudo docker rm container-name

Deleting image:

sudo docker rmi image-name

Cleanliness is important for preserving the space available on your VPS.

Data Persistence and Docker Volumes

One of the most important aspects of Docker is persistence.

A container’s writable layer survives a restart, but is removed when the container is deleted. Named volumes persist separately; back them up because persistence is not a backup.

Creating a volume:

sudo docker volume create appdata

Mounting a volume:

sudo docker run -d \
--volume appdata:/data \
your-image

Some advantages of using volumes are:

• Persistent application data
• Simple backup
• Easy migrations
• Safeguarded upgrades

Make sure to use volumes to store data in production deployments.

Basics of Docker Security

There are several best practices to consider to improve Docker security.

Image Updates: Pull the updated image, then recreate the container using the same configuration and persistent storage. Pulling an image alone does not update an existing container.

sudo docker pull image-name

Use Official Images: Always prefer to use images released by trusted publishers.

Port Limitations: Publish only necessary ports for applications to be accessible.

Least Privilege Principle: Run Docker containers as a limited privilege user.

Ubuntu Updates: Make sure to keep both Docker and the host OS up to date.

Next Up for Self-Hosting: You can explore various self-hosting projects once Docker is installed.

These may include:

• Ollama for local AI
• Open WebUI for AI chat UIs
• n8n for automation
• AI agents and assistants
• WordPress websites
• Personal clouds
• Monitoring systems

This is where Docker comes in handy. Almost all modern self-hosting projects have Docker deployment guides included.

For the next deployment, use the chosen application’s own installation guide and resource requirements.

Why Docker Works Well with VPS Hosting

Docker and VPS hosting go great together.

The reasons are:

• Allocated virtual CPU, memory and storage
• Root access
• Control over OS
• Networking flexibility
• Scalability

Whereas Docker will provide:

• Portability of applications
• Consistency in deployments
• Easier updates
• Optimization of resource usage

The two technologies create an ideal platform for development and hosting.

Running Docker on an UltaHost VPS

Docker requires a platform that allows its users to have control of the operating system.

VPS accounts from UltaHost come with root access and a Linux-based operating system. Our VPS provides you with enough flexibility required for Docker containers.

Our VPS lets you customize the server as you desire. Be it setting up one website or developing new software, or even running multiple applications on your own. We give you the liberty to do all of that.

Thinking of self-hosting applications? Set up Docker or even run artificial intelligence applications. Having VPS hosting helps in such situations.

Conclusion

Docker provides a repeatable way to deploy applications on an Ubuntu VPS. Install it from the official repository, verify the service with hello-world and keep the host and container images updated.

Plan networking and persistent storage before adding production data. Back up volumes and configuration, and test recovery so that replacing a container does not put the application’s data at risk.

For each application, follow its supported deployment instructions and allocate enough CPU, memory and storage for the workload.

FAQ

Usama Sajid

A word wizard passionate about making technology simple. The list of topics which I have covered includes VPS hosting, cloud computing, cyber security, server management, and website performance. Follow me for simplified tech jargon.