I've installed both Docker and Docker Desktop on my Ubuntu system, but I'm unsure how to import a running container so I can manage it through Docker Desktop. Can anyone guide me on how to do this?
3 Answers
If you want to stick with a GUI, also consider Rancher. It's another solid alternative that allows you to manage containers through a web interface without using Docker Desktop, keeping your system efficient. Running a VM just for Docker Desktop can bog things down, so these alternatives might be better.
I'm pretty new to Docker too. So, what exactly does Docker Desktop do? I've heard it adds some GUI features, but are there downsides?
To be honest, it might not be the best idea to use Docker Desktop on Linux. It's designed to run within a VM, which adds unnecessary complexity since Docker runs natively on Ubuntu. If you're looking for a GUI for managing your containers, check out Portainer instead—it's lightweight and doesn't require running a VM. Plus, it should cover your management needs pretty well!
Yeah, Docker Desktop indeed provides a GUI and simplifies some Docker operations, but at the cost of speed and complexity. It runs in a VM, meaning deploying containers becomes a multi-step process, whereas directly installing Docker lets you go straight to managing containers without additional layers. For a simpler experience with a GUI, Portainer is definitely the way to go.