Install a Docker checkpoint

In this knowledge base article, we explain how to set up a Windows 2022 (or 2019) server as a host operating system and how to set up and start a containerized Docker private checkpoint Beta. Uptrends will provide you with the necessary files. You’ll find more information about how to get a private checkpoint in our Docker private checkpoint article.

Installation

Before you start the installation, please check the requirements to make sure everything is prepared correctly.

Script content

Uptrends provides an installation script that you can download from the Uptrends app and that will carry out the main steps of the installation, including

• Install and configure Docker and Docker Compose

• Pull the Uptrends container images

• Setup a startup and an update task

• Start the containerized checkpoint

These steps are bundled in a script which is included in the .zip file you will be able to download for each of your private locations in the Uptrends app.

Check out the installation steps on how to use the installation script.

Installation steps

To install a checkpoint:

1. In the Uptrends app go to Private locations Beta.

2. (Optional, if not existing yet) Add a private location. The private location is added, by default including two checkpoints.

3. Click the name of the private location.

4. Choose the server operating system and click the Download compose file button.

5. Unzip the downloaded file in the place where you want to install the private checkpoint.
6. If you want to prevent screenshots from uploading to the cloud you need to make a change to the docker-compose file after downloading and extracting the files.
7. Open a PowerShell console in admin mode and run the script ./install-checkpoint.ps1 in the Uptrends (unzip) directory. This will restart the server once.

The checkpoints are now available for use. They appear on a monitor’s Checkpoints tab and can be selected. The checkpoints also show in the Test now dialog when running a quick test directly from the monitor using the Test now button.

Note that the script will configure a task that will be checking for updates of the Uptrends containers. This task will run once an hour.

Monitoring your private checkpoint

Changes will be made to your Uptrends account to assist you in the monitoring of your private checkpoint. The private checkpoint’s servers, firewall, and Internet connection all belong to you; therefore, it is your responsibility to make sure that the private checkpoint and supporting systems remain available. To assist you, modifications in your Uptrends account will be carried out.

During your private checkpoint setup, you will notice additional monitors in your Uptrends account. Please do not delete or alter these additions to your account.

Additional monitors in your account

It is important to make sure that there always is a private checkpoint available in your account to perform checks. This is because if there are no locations available Uptrends is unable to detect any disruptions in your own sites. That is; when checks cannot run, there will be no warning because they will not fail.

To be alerted to any disruptions to your private checkpoint network the following monitors will be created. Please create an alert definition to ensure that the right people are informed when a private checkpoint goes down.

Adding new applications and monitors

As you add applications and corresponding monitors to your Uptrends account, please remember to configure them in your firewall.

Removing or deleting locations or checkpoints

If you no longer wish to use a private location or one of the attached checkpoints, you can remove them from Uptrends.

Removing a checkpoint

1. In the Uptrends app go to Private locations Beta.
2. Click the button and select Delete checkpoint. Alternatively, you can click on the name of the checkpoint, open it and click on the grey Delete checkpoint button there.
3. Confirm the removal of the selected checkpoint.

Removing a private location

1. In the Uptrends app go to Private locations Beta.
2. Click the remove (trash can) button.
3. Confirm the removal of the selected private location and the attached checkpoints.
4. Optional: Remove the (dedicated) VM with the deleted checkpoints.