A common misconception is that many essential tools come at a cost. However, in the world of technology, there are often free alternatives available. In the case of Microsoft Office, you can explore cost-free options as well. In this article we will explore the two easiest methods to run Microsoft Office on Linux for free in 2023.
How to Use Microsoft Office on Linux (Step-by-Step)
Installing Microsoft Office on Linux in 2023 presents a remarkable opportunity, as it offers exceptional compatibility and functionality, bridging the gap between platforms.
Method 1: Use Microsoft 365 Online on Linux for Free Online
Microsoft's desktop Office apps may not support LinuxOS, and installing them can be a cumbersome process. However, with Microsoft 365 Online, you can enjoy essential Office tools like Word and Excel without the need for downloads or installations. Plus, it's free to use!
Step 1: Use your preferred web browser to access the official Microsoft Office website.
Step 2: On the Microsoft Office webpage and click on the "Sign-In" option located in the upper right corner of your screen.
Step 3: To use Microsoft Office Online, either create an account or sign in.
Step 4: Upon successful sign-in, you'll arrive at your Microsoft Office Home dashboard. Here, you can manage your existing documents or initiate a new one by selecting an office application icon at the top of the page. For creating a new *.DOC file using Microsoft Word, click on "Document."
Step 5: To begin with a blank document, simply select "New blank document".
Step 6: You can now access your Office Home from anywhere you sign in. This cloud-based application allows you to retrieve and edit your documents from any location, provided you have an internet connection.
Pros:
Microsoft 365 Online is available for free to users with a Microsoft account, offering cost-effective access to essential Office applications.
Cloud-based documents offer easy access from any internet-connected device, enhancing flexibility and mobility.
Cons:
The free version of Microsoft 365 Online may hinder productivity for advanced users
To access and edit files, a stable internet connection is required, making it less suitable for users in areas with unreliable connectivity or those needing offline access.
Using Microsoft 365 Online on Linux is a straightforward and efficient way to access and use Office apps without the need for complex installations
Method 2: Use Microsoft Office Features via WPS Office
What Is WPS Office and Why Choose it?
While some may debate WPS Office's open-source status due to its subscription models, it undeniably offers compelling features, even in its free version. This makes it a sensible choice for maximizing productivity. Users can engage in advanced data manipulation in spreadsheets, create and edit professional documents in Writer, and craft exceptional presentations in Presentation. And, its built-in PDF functionality seamlessly integrates with Microsoft Office, and AI capabilities further enhance its appeal. WPS Office emerges as a robust and versatile option for users seeking an all-encompassing productivity suite.
Pros
Comprehensive Template Repository: Access an extensive library of meticulously crafted templates.
Online Document Support: Seamlessly collaborate on documents online, fostering real-time productivity.
Advanced File Sharing: Enjoy robust file sharing capabilities, simplifying data exchange.
Effortless Cloud Integration: Seamlessly integrate with cloud services, enhancing accessibility and mobility.
Improved Collaboration Features: Utilize advanced collaboration tools, facilitating teamwork and efficient document management.
Download and Install Ubuntu Linux
Ubuntu is an open-source Linux-based operating system developed by Canonical Ltd. It's versatile, used in smartphones, servers, and computers, and known for its user-friendly interface. Ubuntu combines Unix power with a customizable graphical interface. It offers a wide range of software, including LibreOffice and Firefox, and supports both open-source and proprietary applications. The system's software is often under the GNU General Public License, emphasizing user freedom. Ubuntu uses the GNOME graphical interface, making it accessible to non-programmers.
Features
Office Software: Ubuntu offers LibreOffice, an open-source suite compatible with Microsoft Office. It allows users to create professional documents, spreadsheets, and presentations, promoting productivity.
An Open-Source Operating System: Ubuntu is transparent and open-source, fostering collaboration among developers, manufacturers, and OEMs, leading to the creation of Ubuntu applications and systems.
Email: With Thunderbird included, Ubuntu ensures quick access to emails from various services like Microsoft Exchange, Gmail, and more, enhancing communication.
Web Browsing: Ubuntu's support for browsers like Firefox and Chrome provides a secure and efficient web browsing experience, catering to user preferences.
Photos: Ubuntu simplifies photo management, editing, and sharing with apps like Shotwell, Gimp, and Krita. It offers excellent camera support and enables seamless sharing on social media platforms, enhancing multimedia capabilities.
Pros:
Cost-free and open-source, making it accessible to all users.
Known for its strong security measures, safeguarding user data.
It efficiently utilizes system resources, ensuring optimal performance on various hardware configurations.
Cons:
Users may encounter compatibility issues with certain software and hardware.
It has a relatively smaller selection of game titles, which may not appeal to all gamers.
Install WPS Office on Ubuntu Linux
Here are the steps to download WPS Office on your Ubuntu Linux system:
Step 1: Navigate to the Official website of WPS Office on your browser.
Step 2: WPS Office strives to provide its services to everyone, which is why in the download page, users can find Deb Package and the Rpm Package. Click on any according to your system.
Step 3: To locate the downloaded setup file, navigate to your "Downloads" folder.
Step 4: Right-click on the downloaded file and click “Open with GDebi Package Installer”.
Step 5: A download popup will show up, asking you to click "Install Package" in the top right corner.
Step 6: For authentication, type down your device password.
Step 7: Search for WPS Office in the menu bar or click the icon on your desktop to launch it.
Start Editing Word/Excel/PowerPoint
Editing Word documents, Excel spreadsheets, and PowerPoint presentations on Linux has never been easier with WPS Office.
Exploring WPS Writer
WPS Writer, the word document processor in WPS Office, has a user interface similar to Microsoft Word. At the top, you'll see familiar tabs and toolbars with all the capabilities you'd expect. Find specialized buttons for undo/redo, search and replace, printing, saving, loading files, and more. Under the Review tab, you can also access a word count feature to keep track of the length of your paper.
Excelling in Spreadsheets with WPS Spreadsheet
WPS Spreadsheet is a robust solution for working with Excel files on Linux. Its ability to include Combo charts distinguishes it, allowing you to construct charts with two alternative data representations in a single chart—ideal for jobs such as histograms and line diagrams. Beyond that, you can perform a variety of computations, ranging from simple addition to sophisticated formulae and standard deviations.
Create Impressive Presentations with WPS Presentation
The WPS Presentation App makes it easy to create and edit PowerPoint presentations on Linux. Its user interface is inspired by Microsoft's Office suite, making it familiar to PowerPoint users.
When will the Official Microsoft Office Available on Linux?
As of now, Microsoft Office desktop applications are not available for the Linux operating system. Users can access Microsoft Office on Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, or through web-based Office online services.
Microsoft Office, a household name, offers a suite of productivity applications that empower users to enhance their business productivity. If you're seeking the ideal Software as a Service (SaaS) platform for your business, we're here to assist.
Features:
Chat with Yourself in Teams: Teams now offers a unique feature where you can chat with yourself, creating an ideal space for reminders, note-taking, and quick file storage.
Sync Only What You Need with SharePoint: Reduce clutter on your hard drive by syncing SharePoint and Teams files, enabling offline access and efficient file management.
AI-Powered Meeting Transcriptions in Teams: Microsoft 365 now offers real-time meeting transcriptions in Teams, making it easier to capture and reference important discussions.
Vertical Tabs in OneNote: Simplify navigation in OneNote with vertical tabs, offering an improved layout for easy access to notebooks, sections, and pages.
Pricing:
Microsoft offers a range of pricing plans to suit the diverse needs of individuals and businesses. Each plan includes web versions of essential tools like Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote. Let's delve into the available business and enterprise Microsoft 365 plans:
Microsoft 365 Business Basic
Monthly Commitment: $6.00 per user
A solid choice for essential business needs.
Microsoft 365 Business Standard
Priced at $12.50 per user per month.
Ideal for small businesses seeking comprehensive productivity tools.
Microsoft 365 Business Premium
Costing $22.00 per user per month.
Includes Business Basic and Business Standard features, along with enhanced security and customization options.
Pros:
Microsoft 365 provides easy access to files from any device or web browser, enhancing flexibility and remote work capabilities.
With flexible licensing, automatic upgrades, and the ability to switch plans, Microsoft 365 offers a cost-effective solution for businesses of various sizes.
Cons:
Storing data on Microsoft servers may pose security concerns, especially for industries with regulatory constraints, necessitating additional security measures.
Microsoft 365's cloud-based nature relies on a stable internet connection, which, if disrupted, can impact productivity and access to essential resources.
FAQs
Q1. Can I install Microsoft Office on Linux?
Yes, you can install Microsoft Office on Linux, although it might not be as straightforward as on Windows or macOS. There are several methods available for running Microsoft Office on a Linux system.
Q2. What are the best three natively installed alternatives to Microsoft Office?
Here is a list of the best three natively installed alternatives to Microsoft Office:
LibreOffice: This is a prominent free alternative to Microsoft Office with a straightforward interface compatible with Linux. It contains applications like Writer ( word processing), Calc (spreadsheets), Impress (presentations), and Draw ( vector graphics) and supports various file types such as .docx, .xlsx, and .pptx.
Google Workspace: Google Workspace, previously called G Suite, merges Gmail, Google Docs, Google Meet, and other services for companies. It is free to use if you have a Google account and offers web-based access from any device with an internet connection.
FreeOffice: This open-source office suite is available for Windows, Linux, and Android. It contains tools that can manage multiple file types, such as TextMaker, PlanMaker, and Presentations. FreeOffice has a standard user interface akin to former Microsoft Office versions.
Q3. How can I use Microsoft Office on Linux for free?
Microsoft 365 Online is a prominent online-based platform. It offers free access to Microsoft Office on the Linux operating system, enabling users to use office applications like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint without installing anything. This method is a convenient and cost-free solution for using Microsoft Office on Linux devices, preventing complex installations in 2023.
Effortless Microsoft Office Installation on Linux
In this article, we've explored the two simplest methods to install Microsoft Office on Linux. With these approaches, you can effortlessly create a system that boosts your productivity without the need for subscription fees. Enjoy the advantages of a robust operating system and a powerful productivity tool. Furthermore, consider WPS Office, an excellent alternative, offering users a commendable and free office suite, so download WPS Office today!
