Use Ubuntu and other distributions as Docker containers
Cleanly Docked
Do you work with Ubuntu but want to test something quickly on an openSUSE system? You don't need a second PC or a virtual machine to do it – a single container is quite enough.
A virtual machine (VM) lets you use software intended for a different Linux distribution or even a different operating system. But setting up a VM can be time consuming. If you use VirtualBox, VMware [1], or Gnome Boxes [2], you can configure and start a virtual PC in the program interface before proceeding with the regular operating system install. After completing this procedure, the window will contain a full graphical desktop, such as KDE or Gnome, and you can boot and shut down the VM like a real PC.
In many cases, a full install is exactly the solution you need, but sometimes you may just want to quickly test a program. Then the overhead for a VM install of a complete system is disproportionate to the results. The reasons why you cannot always run programs directly on your Linux system are revealed in the "Library Dependencies" box.
If you develop your own software, you may want to test whether the program files you generate will run on all distribution versions you support. Can the RPM or Debian package you generated be installed? Are all dependencies on libraries met so that the program actually launches? Finally, does it work as expected? Again, using a VM is a little excessive for these software tests.
[...]
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
Direct Download
Read full article as PDF:
Price $2.95
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Find SysAdmin Jobs
News
-
Kubuntu Focus Announces XE Gen 2 Linux Laptop
Another Kubuntu-based laptop has arrived to be your next ultra-portable powerhouse with a Linux heart.
-
MNT Seeks Financial Backing for New Seven-Inch Linux Laptop
MNT Pocket Reform is a tiny laptop that is modular, upgradable, recyclable, reusable, and ships with Debian Linux.
-
Ubuntu Flatpak Remix Adds Flatpak Support Preinstalled
If you're looking for a version of Ubuntu that includes Flatpak support out of the box, there's one clear option.
-
Gnome 44 Release Candidate Now Available
The Gnome 44 release candidate has officially arrived and adds a few changes into the mix.
-
Flathub Vying to Become the Standard Linux App Store
If the Flathub team has any say in the matter, their product will become the default tool for installing Linux apps in 2023.
-
Debian 12 to Ship with KDE Plasma 5.27
The Debian development team has shifted to the latest version of KDE for their testing branch.
-
Planet Computers Launches ARM-based Linux Desktop PCs
The firm that originally released a line of mobile keyboards has taken a different direction and has developed a new line of out-of-the-box mini Linux desktop computers.
-
Ubuntu No Longer Shipping with Flatpak
In a move that probably won’t come as a shock to many, Ubuntu and all of its official spins will no longer ship with Flatpak installed.
-
openSUSE Leap 15.5 Beta Now Available
The final version of the Leap 15 series of openSUSE is available for beta testing and offers only new software versions.
-
Linux Kernel 6.2 Released with New Hardware Support
Find out what's new in the most recent release from Linus Torvalds and the Linux kernel team.