# 1. Add Your First Server

Step-by-step guide to connecting your first VPS to ServerCompass.

### Overview <a href="#overview" id="overview"></a>

This guide walks you through the complete process of adding your first server to ServerCompass. \
\
We'll set up SSH key authentication, which is more secure than password authentication.

### Step-by-Step Guide <a href="#step-by-step" id="step-by-step"></a>

#### Step 1: Generate SSH Key on your server

First Open `Server Compass` -> `Dashboard`    -> `Add Server` \
Then, let's generate an SSH key pair on your VPS for secure authentication:

<figure><img src="http://localhost:3001/_next/image?url=%2Ftutorial-screenshots%2Fadd-new-server%2Fnew-vps-gen-key.jpg&#x26;w=3840&#x26;q=75" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Generate a new SSH key pair on your VPS server

#### Step 2: Add SSH Key to your server service.&#x20;

Copy the public key and add it to your server provider like Hetzner, DigitalOcean, etc

<figure><img src="http://localhost:3001/_next/image?url=%2Ftutorial-screenshots%2Fadd-new-server%2Fadd-new-ssh-key-on-vps.jpg&#x26;w=3840&#x26;q=75" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Then, in your server provider service:

1. Go to Settings → SSH Keys
2. Click "Add New Key"
3. Give it a name (e.g., "Production Server Key")
4. Paste your private key content
5. Save the key

<figure><img src="http://localhost:3001/_next/image?url=%2Ftutorial-screenshots%2Fadd-new-server%2Fadd-ssh-key.jpg&#x26;w=3840&#x26;q=75" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

#### Step 3: Create New Server

Now create a new server entry with your SSH key:

<figure><img src="http://localhost:3001/_next/image?url=%2Ftutorial-screenshots%2Fadd-new-server%2Fcreate-new-server-with-that-ssh-key.jpg&#x26;w=3840&#x26;q=75" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Create a new server and select your SSH key for authentication

#### Step 4: Copy Your Server IP Address

Get your VPS IP address from your hosting provider's control panel:

<figure><img src="http://localhost:3001/_next/image?url=%2Ftutorial-screenshots%2Fadd-new-server%2Fcopy-that-IP-address.jpg&#x26;w=3840&#x26;q=75" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Copy your server's IP address from your hosting provider

Your IP address will typically be displayed prominently in your VPS provider's dashboard. Common providers include DigitalOcean, Linode, Vultr, AWS EC2, and others.

#### Step 5: Paste IP Address

Go back to `Server Compass`&#x20;

Enter your server's IP address in the host field:

<figure><img src="http://localhost:3001/_next/image?url=%2Ftutorial-screenshots%2Fadd-new-server%2Fpaste-IP-address.jpg&#x26;w=3840&#x26;q=75" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Paste the IP address and configure your server details

#### Test Connection

1. Click "Test Connection" to verify settings (recommended)
2. If successful, you'll see a green checkmark and server information
3. Click "Save" to add the server

#### Connection Success!

Your server should now appear in the dashboard with real-time metrics. You can click the terminal icon to open an SSH session.


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