OS for Docker: Features, Factors and Tips to Choose

SUSE

RancherOS is a minimalistic Linux distribution designed specifically for running containers. By simplifying the operating system and removing unnecessary components, RancherOS makes it easier to deploy and manage containers at scale. The operating system includes only the bare minimum required to run containers, such as a kernel, init system, and container runtime.

This minimalist approach reduces the surface area for potential security vulnerabilities and minimizes the number of resources required to run the operating system. It also includes built-in orchestration tools that make it easy to deploy and manage containerized applications. As a result, RancherOS is an ideal docker OS for macOS and windows to run containers in production environments. 

Highlights of RancherOS:

• Designed specifically for running containers 
• Kernel, init system, and container runtime 
• Reduces the surface area for potential security vulnerabilities 
• Minimizes the number of resources required to run the operating system 
• Includes built-in orchestration tools. 

3. Ubuntu Core

Ubuntu Core is a minimalistic version of Ubuntu. Initially, it is designed for, and most suitable for, containers of apps and IoT devices in the form of Ubuntu Core. The fact that Docker is a rather lightweight itself makes it a great candidate to serve this rather minor, well-thought, positively light-built characteristic and stability.. As for the differences among them, Ubuntu Core can be lighter in terms weight and can be used on constrained tools/devices, IoTs, Edge bases.

Highlights of Ubuntu Core:

• Snap Packages: Uses self-contained snap packages, ensuring consistency across environments. 
• Security: Features full-disk encryption and secure boot. 
• Automatic Updates: Reduces maintenance with automatic system and snap package updates. 

4. Alpine Linux

Wikipedia

Alpine Linux is another lightweight Linux distribution, known for its simplicity and small size. It is specifically designed for power users who need a minimalistic and highly efficient OS for running containers. 

Alpine Linux's minimalism makes it ideal for creating small and efficient Docker images. Its secure environment, provided busybox, ensures that applications run reliably. The apk package manager is both fast and easy to use, allowing for quick installation and management of dependencies.  

Highlights of Alpine Linux :

• Minimalism: Base image size of only 5 MB, perfect for small Docker images. 
• Security: Utilizes musl libc and busybox for a secure environment. 
• Package Management: Fast and simple apk package manager. 

5. Mesosphere DC/OS

Forbes

Data center Operating System or DC OS is a container platform developed by Mesosphere that is used for corporate and commercial data centers. Mesosphere DC/OS is designed to scale, which may be advantageous to large enterprises. Its integrated services help to address the requirements for deploying and managing containerized applications in an organizational environment.  

Highlights of Mesosphere DC/OS : 

• Scalability: Excels in scaling across thousands of nodes. 
• Integrated Services: Comes with Kubernetes, Spark, and Cassandra. 
• Resource Management: Efficiently manages resources across clusters. 

6. Fedora Linux

Medium

Fedora Linux is one of the most loved, contemporary, progressive Linux distribution with a great deal of community base. It offers a stable middleware for deploying Docker containers, especially in the development and the testing environments.

Fedora Linux is ideal for developers who want access to the latest technologies. Its modularity allows for flexibility in managing software versions and dependencies. The integration of SELinux provides robust security mechanisms, protecting containerized applications. With extensive documentation and a strong community, Fedora Linux is an excellent choice for development and testing environments, particularly when leveraging Docker OS for container management and orchestration.

Highlights of Fedora Linux:

• Latest Technologies: Always includes the latest Linux kernel and features. 
• Modularity: Offers different versions of software through Fedora Modularity. 
• SELinux: Integrates Security-Enhanced Linux for advanced security. 

Tips for Deciding the Best OS for Docker Platform 

If you’re planning to use Docker OSX for your business or daily needs, here are some factors to consider when making your decision: 

1. Performance

Containerized applications tend to be very resource-intensive, so it's important to choose an OS that can provide the power and resources they need to run smoothly. 

• CPU Architecture: If you're running on commodity hardware, chances are you're using an Intel or AMD processor. But ARM processors are becoming increasingly popular in the world of embedded devices and single-board computers (SBCs). 
• Kernel Version: It's important to make sure your chosen OS has a recent kernel version that's compatible with Docker. Outdated kernels can lead to performance issues. 
• Disk Type: SSDs are generally faster than HDDs, but they're also more expensive. If you're looking for the best possible performance, choose an OS that supports SSDs. 

2. Security

A Docker host exposes a number of ports that could be exploited by attackers, so it's important to choose an OS that has robust security measures in place. 

• User Permissions: By default, Docker daemon requires root access to run containers. This can be a security risk if you're not careful. Make sure your chosen OS has a mechanism in place to restrict user permissions and prevent unauthorized access to your containers. 
• SELinux Support: SELinux is a security feature that's available on some Linux distributions. It provides an additional layer of security by separating processes and restricting access to certain files and directories. 
• Virus Scanning: It is another important security feature, especially if you're running containers that process sensitive data. 

3. Support

When you're running containers in production, you want to make sure you have a reliable support system in place in case something goes wrong. 

• Community Support: Docker offers a vibrant community. There are many resources available online, including forums, blogs, and IRC channels. If you run into any problems, chances are someone in the community has already faced and solved them. 
• Vendor Support: If you're running Docker in a production environment, you may want to consider a vendor that offers support for their products. Many of the major Linux distributions offer support packages for enterprise users. 
• Long-term Support (LTS): Some OSes like Chromebook docker are released as long-term support (LTS) versions, which means they receive updates and security patches for several years. If you need an OS that's going to be around for the long haul, choose an LTS version. 
• Operating System Support: It is crucial that you ensure that your OS is supported by the host OS. If you need to run a mac OS container, choose a Mac host OS. 

4. Docker Engine Version

Consider the version of the Docker Engine that's included with the host OS. The latest version of the Docker Engine is always recommended for production use. 

5. Ease of Use

Finally, you'll want to consider the ease of use when choosing a Docker host OS. Some operating systems are easier to use than others. If you're new to Docker, you may want to choose an OS that's easy to install and configure. 

Conclusion

Docker is a powerful tool, and it’s important to choose the best OS for Docker in order to take full advantage of its capabilities. It is a big part of what makes containerization so powerful, and it’s growing more popular every day. Kubernetes is also on the rise and is quickly becoming the standard for managing containers at scale.

When looking for a rewarding career, Docker and Kubernetes are two of the most important skills to learn. These technologies are revolutionizing the way we think about computing, and they show no signs of slowing down.

With the industry's best Docker and Kubernetes course available, you can learn everything you need to know. Hopefully, you found this article helpful as you make your decision about which Docker OS will work best for you and your business.