Hands-On Lab to Explore Docker on Windows

If you are looking for the chance to explore how Docker works on Windows, Microsoft has just delivered an early Christmas present. A totally web-based hands-on lab to explore Docker on Windows is now available. The best thing about this lab is you don’t need any infrastructure or setup on your part: You log in and are working on a command line shortly thereafter.

The lab covers several areas in working with Docker on Windows. The lab teaches you how to:

  1. Install the prerequisites for installing Docker on Windows 10;
  2. Install Docker on Windows;
  3. Install a Nano Server base image that is used to install containers;
  4. Create containers with and without Hyper-V isolation;
  5. Create layered container images from containers; and
  6. Remove Windows Server containers and Windows Server container images by using Docker.

You don’t necessarily have to be a developer or even a coder to complete these labs. I was able to follow the easy-to-understand instructions to complete the tasks.

There are videos that provide a great overview of the lab itself and individual tasks.

labvideo

Once you dive into the lab, depending on the task you log in via the web—into a virtual Windows 10 desktop or Windows Server—you can open up a PowerShell window and work right out of the CLI. The lab interface is pretty intuitive, and there are sidebars that provide context-sensitive instructions all the way through.

Microsoft has been very aggressive in making sure that containers—which are, of course, a longtime Linux feature—has a home on the Windows platform and in its Azure cloud platform. Also, this is a full-featured Docker implementation, which should appeal to even the most Linux-loving of you out there.

There are other hands-on labs to follow, but for now if you are curious about Docker and Windows on Docker, this is a great way to dive in and see what its all about. Again, the link is: http://msftdevops.learnondemandsystems.com/?wt.mc_id=AID557152_QSG_BLOG_22879

Alan Shimel

As Editor-in-chief of DevOps.com and Container Journal, Alan Shimel is attuned to the world of technology. Alan has founded and helped several technology ventures, including StillSecure, where he guided the company in bringing innovative and effective networking and security solutions to the marketplace. Shimel is an often-cited personality in the security and technology community and is a sought-after speaker at industry and government conferences and events. In addition to his writing on DevOps.com and Network World, his commentary about the state of technology is followed closely by many industry insiders via his blog and podcast, "Ashimmy, After All These Years" (www.ashimmy.com). Alan has helped build several successful technology companies by combining a strong business background with a deep knowledge of technology. His legal background, long experience in the field, and New York street smarts combine to form a unique personality.

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