--- title: "Best Practices for Building Container Labs" slug: "container-best-practices" updated: 2024-09-09T19:02:51Z published: 2024-09-09T19:02:51Z canonical: "docs.skillable.com/container-best-practices" --- > ## Documentation Index > Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.skillable.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further. # Best Practices for Building Container Labs When using Docker to host containers in labs, there are considerations to keep in mind. ## Configuration Docker images often require large downloads. It is advised that all necessary images are downloaded into the lab during development to prevent delays during live courses. The following Docker configurations are supported: - Linux containers running in Docker for Linux - Windows containers running in Docker for Windows - Linux containers running in Docker for Windows on a Dv3, Dsv3, or Ev3 Azure VM The following configurations are not supported: - Linux containers running in Docker for Windows1 - Containers running in nested virtualization scenarios2 1 Any legacy labs that used Docker for Windows Linux images prior to 04/2018 are no longer supported as docker for windows uses nested virtualization to host Linux images. Please [contact support](https://www.skillable.com/customer-support/) if you have any questions or concerns. 2 While in some scenarios Docker may function when in a nested environment, Skillable Studio and support staff do not provide support for this scenario. For more information on unsupported configurations, please see [Docker's documentation](https://docs.docker.com/docker-for-windows/troubleshoot/#running-docker-desktop-for-windows-in-nested-virtualization-scenarios) on nested virtualization scenarios. ## Supported Operating Systems The following operating systems have been tested in our environment for the configurations above. Other distributions or editions will also likely work, but have not been tested. - Windows 10 1709+ - Windows Server 2016/2019 - Ubuntu Desktop 18.04 - Ubuntu Server 18.04 - CentOS 7 - RHEL 7 - Debian Stretch - Kali Linux Skillable Studio supports containers via Docker. Docker containers are a lightweight option compared to full Virtual Machines. Docker container images use virtualization that focuses on a specific application or software, rather than a full operating system.