Host your own
Host your own apps on a private VPS: what size to choose for common self-hosted services, backups, updates and where to start.
Read more →Updated 2026-11-11 · Published by AnonVPS
1. Install Docker
Docker publishes an apt repository for Ubuntu. Check the current steps on docs.docker.com and follow them, then confirm the install.
Confirm
docker --version
docker compose version
sudo systemctl enable --now docker2. Use Docker without root
Add your user to the docker group
sudo usermod -aG docker $USER
# log out and back in, then:
docker run --rm hello-world3. A small Compose stack
compose.yaml
mkdir -p ~/app && cd ~/app
cat > compose.yaml <<'EOF'
services:
web:
image: nginx:stable
restart: unless-stopped
ports:
- "127.0.0.1:8080:80"
EOF
docker compose up -d
docker compose ps
curl -I http://127.0.0.1:80804. Keep ports safe
- Bind to
127.0.0.1unless a port must face the internet. - Docker edits firewall rules itself and can bypass
ufw. Publish only what you intend to. - Put a reverse proxy such as nginx or Caddy in front for HTTPS. See host a website with nginx.
5. Update and clean up
Routine
docker compose pull
docker compose up -d
docker image prune -f
docker system dfFAQ
Common questions
How much RAM do I need for Docker?
4 GB (BASE) runs several small containers. Heavier stacks fit better on CORE or larger.
Does Docker make a server more private?
No. It isolates software, not identity. Read opsec mistakes.
Keep reading
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