You have probably heard or read about the availability of Docker on Windows and Azure. Both Docker and Microsoft have turned up the noise on their collaboration. But have you really looked into what these two are up to? If not, now is your chance. Microsoft has put up a great free hands on lab all about Docker, containers and Windows.
In this hands on lab there are modules that feature Docker on Windows Server, Windows Nano Server and managing them with Windows 10. You can use Microsoft’s HyperV or not. It really is a great way to learn about containers, Docker and the Windows platform. You can play with this hands on lab by clicking here or if you prefer to cut and paste here is the link: http://msftdevops.learnondemandsystems.com/?wt.mc_id=AID557152_QSG_BLOG_22879. (Editors note: pop up blockers may stop the lab from loading. If you have an issue try disabling the pop up blocker.)
Here is what the lab covers in a bit more detail:
I took the opportunity to play with the lab myself. While I am far from a developer or even an Ops person, I have to say Microsoft got this one right. Even I could complete it! The lab is supposed to take you 30 minutes but they give you 8 hours to complete. There is a great set of introduction videos that give you a full picture of what you are going to be doing. Here is an example in a still shot:
The lab is actually broken down into several modules that don’t have to be completed in one sitting. The lab requires no set up on your part at all. It runs right in your browser. The lab has you run two different Windows machines, one Win10 and one Windows Server. You can switch and log in right from the browser. The lab also has you log into PowerShell:
It literally gives you the CLI commands that you have to type, tells you when to switch between machines and guides you step by step through each of the several tasks. There is a great info bar on the bottom that has context sensitive instructions that walk you through the entire thing. There is also a sidebar which gives you a great oversight of the entire lab, where you are in the process and options to move around. All in all I thought they did a great job with the UX to make what could be a complex set of tasks easy.
The whole Docker and containers on Windows theme is one has been bubbling up for some time now. While many doubted that it could ever happen, the new Microsoft seems to have made Docker right at home.
From what I have been told there will be similar hands on labs offered for free on the Azure platform and more on containers. We will be working with Microsoft to dig in deeper here, so stay tuned for more soon!