Linux distributions have long been celebrated for their prowess in self-hosting and containerization. After navigating the intricate setup of WSL2 and Docker Desktop, users unlock the potential to run containers seamlessly on their Windows 11 systems. While most Linux containers integrate smoothly with Microsoft’s flagship operating system, several standout services deserve attention for those looking to enhance their workstation experience.
5 Penpot
An amazing self-hosted design tool
In a landscape dominated by design applications like Adobe Illustrator and web-based tools such as Figma and Canva, Penpot emerges as a compelling alternative. This free, SVG-based design service rivals industry-standard tools while maintaining its self-hosted charm. Penpot not only excels in vector image editing but also offers robust prototyping capabilities, enabling users to create interactive designs with ease. For developers interested in UI creation, Penpot supports editing in SVG, CSS, and HTML, complemented by a wealth of community-generated templates and plugins.
4 Nextcloud
Your personal cloud storage
If you’re weary of cloud services that impose hefty fees for additional storage while compromising your privacy, consider deploying a self-hosted Nextcloud container. This solution ensures your data remains securely on local drives while facilitating effortless file synchronization across devices within your home network. Nextcloud boasts an array of features typical of leading cloud platforms, including dedicated mobile applications, an intuitive user interface, and powerful collaboration tools. Additionally, its functionality can be expanded through various extensions available in its app store.
3 Joplin
With a shout-out to TriliumNext Notes
Joplin has carved out a reputation as a top-tier note-taking application, thanks to its strong markdown support, efficient tagging system, and extensive customization options. Users can host their own Joplin server via a Docker container, allowing for seamless syncing of notes through the mobile app without the privacy concerns associated with Joplin Cloud. For those seeking even more features in personal knowledge management, self-hosting a TriliumNext Notes server is a worthy consideration.
2 LibreOffice
The perfect alternative to Microsoft Office
While Microsoft Office reigns supreme in the productivity suite arena, LibreOffice offers a formidable alternative that combines robust features with no financial strings attached. With its cross-platform compatibility and support for a wide range of file formats, LibreOffice can effectively replace Microsoft Office for most document processing, spreadsheet management, and presentation design needs. Moreover, the entire LibreOffice suite can be containerized, ensuring optimal performance without any drawbacks.
1 Linux distros
And even macOS, if you’re daring enough
WSL2 distributions allow users to run Linux applications on their PCs, but the thrill of running a full Linux operating system within a lightweight container is unparalleled. Popular choices like Ubuntu and Alpine Linux lead the pack, yet adventurous users can also explore containerized versions of Elementary OS, Arch Linux, openSUSE, and more. This approach not only provides a controlled environment for testing coding projects but also allows users to familiarize themselves with various operating systems without the performance overhead typically associated with virtual machines. For the truly daring, hosting Apple’s proprietary macOS within Docker containers is an intriguing possibility.
Which Docker containers do you run on your Windows 11 PC?
Beyond the aforementioned applications and distributions, a plethora of other Docker images merit consideration for hosting on Docker Desktop. The trifecta of WireGuard, NetAlertX, and Pi-Hole can enhance your home network’s security while keeping intrusive advertisements at bay. For those who appreciate Nextcloud and wish to transform their Windows 11 PC into a comprehensive media server, containers for Immich, Calibre-web, and Jellyfin are excellent options. Additionally, coding enthusiasts can leverage containers like Gitea, Code Server, and Nginx to streamline their workflows.
