# Adding a Server

Adding a server is as easy as it sounds, but make sure that your [server is compatible](/apple/setup/compatibility.md) and that your [user is prepared](/apple/setup/preparing-your-user.md).

## Basic Information

**Alias:** The name that is displayed in WhaleDeck

**Host:** The address at which your server can be reached. This can be a domain (whaledeck.io) or an IP (1.1.1.1).

**Port:** The port at which your SSH server is listening. Leave that field empty to use the default port 22

**Username:** The user that has full access to your server and can run Docker commands without `sudo`

**Operating  System:** Select the operating system that is running on your server

## Authentication

There are two ways to authenticate.

### Password

Simply enter your password in the **Password** field.

### SSH Key

Add your *private key* to WhaleDeck by tapping on the plus icon and either reading it from your clipboard or a file. If your private key requires a passphrase, write it in the **Password** field. 

Learn more about [Setting Up SSH Key Authentication in WhaleDeck: A Complete Guide](/apple/setup/setting-up-ssh-key-authentication-in-whaledeck-a-complete-guide.md)


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Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.