vdsm/virtual-dsm: README-based editorial guide
A guide grounded in the README, repository metadata, and license for installing and checking vdsm/virtual-dsm.
Project scope
vdsm/virtual-dsm describes itself in the README as "Virtual DSM in a Docker container.". This article keeps to facts that can be checked in the repository. Stars, forks, and promotional badges are signals of attention, not proof of quality. Under "Requirements ⚙️", the README says: > [!NOTE] > Docker Desktop on Linux, macOS, and Windows 10 does not currently provide KVM access to containers and is therefore not supported.. That establishes the project's stated boundary, not a production test.
Suitable use cases
The README's "Features ✨" section gives a useful starting point for deciding whether the project fits: Customizable CPU, memory, and storage allocation. If that problem is not yours, popularity is a poor reason to adopt it. Project names, commands, and component names are kept as written so a reader can return to the primary source without guessing at terminology. Another checkable README item is: Near-native performance with KVM acceleration. It can shape a first test, but it does not replace testing in the intended environment.
How it works
The operating model is spread across sections such as "How do I change the storage location?". The source evidence includes: To change the storage location, include the following bind mount in your compose file:. This article does not turn missing architecture, performance, or security details into claims. A real deployment still needs a look at the repository layout, configuration files, and release history.
Installation and first run
Start installation from the README's documented entry point. A command that can be checked in the source is: docker run -it --rm --name dsm -e "DISK_SIZE=256G" -p 5000:5000 --device=/dev/kvm --device=/dev/net/tun --cap-add NET_ADMIN -v "${PWD:-.}/dsm:/storage" --stop-timeout 120 docker.io/vdsm/virtual-dsm When the README contains no runnable command, this article does not invent one. Open its "Usage 🐳" section and confirm system dependencies, default ports, and first-run initialization before using a public server.