Install Docker on Linux / Raspberry Pi OS

This guide explains how to install Docker on Linux, including Raspberry Pi OS, to run the remote Wake-on-LAN service for Turn Off PC.

The installation process and commands are the same for Linux and Raspberry Pi OS.

Supported systems

This guide applies to:

• Ubuntu
• Debian
• Linux Mint
• Raspberry Pi OS
• Other Debian-based Linux distributions

Applies to:

• Servers
• Desktop PCs
• Mini PCs
• Raspberry Pi (recommended for always-on usage)

What this setup does

After completing this guide:

• Docker Engine will be installed
• Docker will run as a system service
• The system will be ready to run containers
• The remote Wake-on-LAN service can be deployed

Prerequisites

Before continuing, make sure that:

• You are running a supported Linux distribution
• You have administrator (root) privileges
• The system has internet access
• The system is connected to the local network

Step 1: Install Docker

Docker provides an official installation script.

Run the following command:

curl -fsSL https://get.docker.com | sh

This command:

• Detects your Linux distribution
• Installs Docker Engine
• Installs required dependencies
• Configures the Docker service

This works on both Linux and Raspberry Pi OS.

Step 2: Enable and start Docker

Ensure Docker starts automatically at boot:

sudo systemctl enable docker
sudo systemctl start docker

Verify Docker is running:

sudo systemctl status docker

The service should be active (running).

Step 3: Allow Docker without sudo (recommended)

By default, Docker requires sudo.

To allow your user to run Docker commands without sudo:

sudo usermod -aG docker $USER

Then log out and log back in for the change to take effect.

Step 4: Verify Docker installation

Run the following command:

docker version

You should see both:

• Client version
• Server version

Test Docker with a simple container:

docker run hello-world

If the container runs successfully, Docker is installed correctly.

Common problems

Docker command not found

• Log out and log back in
• Ensure Docker is installed correctly

Permission denied when running Docker

• Ensure your user is in the docker group
• Reboot or re-login after running usermod

Docker service not running

• Start the service manually:

sudo systemctl start docker

• Check logs if needed:

journalctl -u docker