Why Verity needs Docker

The short version

Docker is a safe, sealed box for Verity to live in.

Think of Docker as a sturdy box with a lid. Verity, and everything it needs to work, such as the place it stores your information and its nightly backups, all go inside the box. The box keeps Verity together in one tidy place, and keeps it from touching anything else on your computer.

Your computer stays as it is

Verity doesn't scatter files around or change your other programs. Everything it needs stays inside its box, and removing it later leaves nothing behind.

Updates are safe

When there's a new version of Verity, the old box is swapped for a new one. Your information isn't touched, and if anything goes wrong the previous version is still there.

It works the same everywhere

Verity runs exactly the way we tested it, on whatever computer it's on. If you move to a bigger computer later, Verity moves with you, with nothing to set up again by hand.

Common questions

What people usually ask.

Do I need to learn how to use Docker?

No. You install it once, and the Verity installer does everything else with it for you. Most people never open Docker again after installing it.

Why can't Verity just install like a normal program?

Verity is more than one program. It includes a database, a backup service, and the app itself, and each would normally need its own installation, settings and updates. Docker lets us hand you all of it already set up and tested together, in one piece, so there's nothing for you to configure.

Does Docker cost anything?

Docker Desktop, the easiest option on Windows, is free for personal use and for small organizations. Larger organizations may need a paid plan, and Docker's website has the current details. If that applies to you, there's a version called Docker Engine that is free for everyone, though it takes a few more steps to set up (see below).

Is it safe?

Yes. Docker is one of the most widely used tools of its kind, made by a long-established company. It runs on your own computer, and your Verity information stays on that computer. The sealed box is itself a safety feature: Verity can't reach into the rest of your computer, and the rest of your computer can't interfere with Verity.

Will it slow my computer down?

Docker uses some memory while Verity is running, much like any other program that stays open. A computer with 4 GB of memory and two processor cores is enough to start. If the computer is also used for other everyday work, more memory helps.

Does Docker need to stay running?

Yes. Verity is only available while Docker is running, the same way a website is only available while its computer is switched on. Docker Desktop can start by itself whenever the computer starts. Turn on Start Docker Desktop when you sign in in its settings, so you don't have to remember.

What if I want to remove Verity later?

The Verity installer can remove it for you. Because everything was inside its box, nothing else on your computer is affected. You can uninstall Docker afterwards too, like any other program.

Getting Docker on Windows

Two ways to install it. Most people should pick the first.

Both work with the Verity installer. If you're not sure which to choose, choose Docker Desktop.

Docker Desktop (recommended)

An ordinary Windows program. Download it, install it like any other program, and open it once. After that it runs quietly in the background. The easiest choice for a personal computer or a small organization.

Download Docker Desktop

Docker Engine (for IT staff)

Free for every organization, with no program to keep open, but it takes a few technical setup steps. Docker runs inside a small built-in part of Windows called WSL2. A good choice for a computer used only as a server.

WSL2 setup guide

Is your organization large? Check Docker Desktop's terms

Docker Desktop is free for personal use, small businesses, and education or open-source projects. Larger organizations need a paid plan. Docker's own website has the exact size and revenue limits, which change from time to time.

If those limits apply to you, or you'd rather not think about it, use Docker Engine instead. It takes a few more steps to set up, but there's nothing to pay and nothing to keep track of afterwards.

Getting Docker on Linux

For servers your IT person looks after.

If someone on your team runs a Linux server, this will likely be familiar. One command installs Docker:

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

When it finishes, check that the part Verity uses, called Docker Compose, came with it:

docker compose version

Prefer your system's own package manager to a script? The official Docker Engine install guide covers Ubuntu, Debian and the rest.