In the realm of digital productivity, Microsoft Office 2013 and Linux stand as titans in their respective domains. However, the challenge arises when one attempts to bridge the gap between them. With its roots deep in the Windows environment, Microsoft Office 2013 faces a compatibility conundrum when confronted with the open-source landscape of Linux. The clash arises from the fundamental differences in libraries and file formats. The burning question persists: How can one effectively harness the power of Microsoft Office 2013 on Linux? Fear not, for within this guide lies the key to seamlessly install and wield this powerhouse suite on your Linux system, transforming a potential hurdle into a triumph of compatibility.
Part1: Linux and Microsoft Office 2013 Introduction
#1.What is Linux?
Linux is an open-source operating system known for its versatility, stability, and security features. Unlike proprietary systems like Windows or macOS, Linux is built on a collaborative effort by a community of developers worldwide. It offers a wide range of distributions (distros) tailored for various purposes, from desktop use to server deployment. Linux boasts a robust command-line interface and supports a multitude of software packages, making it a preferred choice for developers and tech enthusiasts. Its flexibility and ability to run on diverse hardware configurations contribute to its popularity.
#2.What is Microsoft Office 2013?
Microsoft Office 2013 is a suite of productivity software applications developed by Microsoft. It includes a variety of applications, such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneNote. Microsoft Office 2013 is the most popular productivity software suite in the world.
Features of Microsoft Office 2013
Word: A word processing application for creating and editing documents.
Excel: A spreadsheet application for creating and editing spreadsheets.
PowerPoint: A presentation application for creating and delivering presentations.
Outlook: An email client and personal information manager.
OneNote: A digital notebook for taking notes, organizing information, and drawing sketches.
Part2: Why do Linux users choose Microsoft Office?
As a Linux user, I have a lot of great choices for office software. There are many free and open-source office suites available, such as LibreOffice and OpenOffice. These suites offer a wide range of features and are compatible with Microsoft Office file formats.
However, there are many reasons why I choose to use Microsoft Office on Linux:
Compatibility: Microsoft Office is the most widely used office suite in the world. This means that I can be confident that my documents will be compatible with other people's documents, even if they are using different operating systems and office suites.
Features: Microsoft Office offers a wide range of features for creating, editing, and sharing documents. These features are constantly being updated and improved.
Support: Microsoft Office is well-supported by Microsoft and its partners. This means that I can easily get help if I have problems with the software.
In addition to these general advantages, there are also some specific advantages to using Microsoft Office on Linux. For example, Microsoft Office for Linux is now available as a native app, which means that it has better performance and integration with the Linux platform. Additionally, Microsoft Office 365 subscribers can access their Office applications and files from anywhere using a web browser.
Overall, I find that Microsoft Office is the best office suite for my needs as a Linux user. It offers a wide range of features, compatibility, and support. While there are some free and open-source office suites that are very good, I find that Microsoft Office is the best choice for me.
Part3: 3 Methods to install Microsoft Office 2013 on Linux
Here is a comprehensive guide on how to install Microsoft Office 2013 on Linux using three different methods:
Method1. With Wine
Wine is a compatibility layer that allows Windows applications to run on Linux. To install Microsoft Office 2013 with Wine, follow these steps:
Step 1: Install Wine. You can install Wine from your Linux distribution's package manager.
Step 2: Install the Microsoft Office 2013 installer. You can download the installer from the Microsoft website.
Step 3: Open the Wine terminal.
Step 4: Navigate to the directory where the Microsoft Office 2013 installer is located.
Step 5: Run the installer by typing the following command:
wine setup.exe
Step 6: Follow the on-screen instructions to install Microsoft Office 2013.
I have used Wine to install Microsoft Office 2013 on several Linux distributions, and it has worked well for me. However, it is important to note that Wine is not a perfect compatibility layer, and some Microsoft Office features may not work as expected.
Method2. With Crossover
Crossover is a commercial software product that builds on top of Wine to provide a more user-friendly and reliable way to run Windows applications on Linux. To install Microsoft Office 2013 with Crossover, follow these steps:
Step 1: Install Crossover. You can download a free trial of Crossover from the CodeWeavers website.
Step 2: Open Crossover.
Step 3: Click the "Install Windows Software" button.
Step 4: Select "Microsoft Office 2013" from the list of applications.
Step 5: Click the "Install" button.
Step 6: Follow the on-screen instructions to install Microsoft Office 2013.
I have also used Crossover to install Microsoft Office 2013 on Linux, and I have found it to be a more reliable and user-friendly option than Wine. However, Crossover is a commercial product, so it is not free
Method3. With Virtual Machine
A virtual machine is a software program that allows you to run a guest operating system on top of your host operating system. To install Microsoft Office 2013 on Linux using a virtual machine, follow these steps:
Step 1: Install a virtualization software such as VirtualBox or VMware.
Step 2: Create a new virtual machine.
Step 3: Install Windows on the virtual machine.
Step 4: Install Microsoft Office 2013 on the virtual machine.
Installing Microsoft Office 2013 on Linux using a virtual machine is the most reliable option, but it is also the most complex and resource-intensive option.
Which method should you choose?
If you are looking for a free and easy-to-use way to install Microsoft Office 2013 on Linux, then I recommend using Wine. However, if you need a more reliable and user-friendly option, then I recommend using Crossover. If you need to use all of the features of Microsoft Office 2013, then I recommend installing it on a virtual machine.
Personally, I prefer to use Crossover to install Microsoft Office 2013 on Linux. I find it to be a good balance between reliability, ease of use, and cost.
Part4.How to Use Microsoft Office 2013 on Linux?
Once you have installed Microsoft Office 2013 on Linux, you can use it just like you would on Windows. To launch a Microsoft Office application, go to the Applications menu and select the application you want to use.
Here is a step-by-step how to create a new Word document using Microsoft Office 2013 on Linux:
Step 1: Open the Applications menu and select "Microsoft Office 2013" > "Microsoft Word".
Step 2: A new Word document will open.
Step 3: Type your document and format it as desired.
Step 4: To save the document, click the File menu and select Save As.
Step 5: Enter a name for the document and select a location to save it to.
Step 6: Click the Save button.
Your document will be saved in the .docx format, which is compatible with other operating systems and office suites.
Resonating Reminder:
Before running Windows applications on Linux with Wine, be aware that not all software is fully supported, and compatibility can vary.
Microsoft Office 2013 is no longer officially supported, so newer versions or alternatives may be better for security and features.
Office Online requires a Microsoft account and an internet connection.
When considering alternatives, test their compatibility with your specific Office files and workflow.
Here are some additional thoughts:
Running Windows applications on Linux with Wine can be a convenient way to use software that is not available natively for Linux. However, it is important to be aware of the limitations of Wine. Some applications may not work as expected or at all, and you may need to troubleshoot problems.
Microsoft Office 2013 is still a capable office suite, but it is no longer supported by Microsoft. This means that you will not receive security updates or bug fixes. If you need to use Microsoft Office for work or school, it is a good idea to upgrade to a newer version.
There are a number of free and open-source office suites available for Linux, such as LibreOffice and OpenOffice. These suites offer many of the same features as Microsoft Office, and they are often more compatible with Linux systems.
If you are not sure which office suite to use, I recommend trying out a few different options to see which one works best for you. Consider your specific needs and requirements, such as compatibility with your existing Office files and workflow, when making your decision.
Part 5: Free Alternative to Microsoft office — WPS Office
WPS Office is a free and open-source office suite that is fully compatible with Linux, Windows, and Mac. It is a great alternative to Microsoft Office, as it offers a wide range of features and is very easy to use.
How WPS Office can improve your work efficiency
WPS Office can improve your work efficiency in a number of ways. For example, it offers the following features:
A user-friendly interface that is similar to Microsoft Office, so you can easily transition to WPS Office.
A wide range of features for creating, editing, and sharing documents, spreadsheets, and presentations.
Support for collaboration, so you can work on documents with others in real time.
Cloud storage, so you can access your documents from anywhere.
How to download WPS Office on Linux
To download WPS Office on Linux, follow these steps:
Step 1: Go to the WPS Office website.
Step 2: Click the "Download" button.
Step 3: Select the Linux version of WPS Office.
Step 4: Click the "Download" button.
Step 5: Once the download is complete, open the file manager and navigate to the directory where the WPS Office installer is located.
Step 6: Double-click the WPS Office installer to open it.
Step 7: Follow the on-screen instructions to install WPS Office.
How to edit Word/Excel/PowerPoint in WPS
To edit a Word/Excel/PowerPoint document in WPS, follow these steps:
Step 1: Open WPS Office.
Step 2: Click the "File" menu and select "Open".
Step 3: Navigate to the Word/Excel/PowerPoint document that you want to edit and double-click it to open it.
Step 4: Make your changes to the document.
Step 5: To save the document, click the "File" menu and select "Save".
Download link
You can download WPS Office from the following link:
WPS Office website: https://www.wps.com/office/linux/
WPS Office is a great alternative to Microsoft Office. It is free, open-source, and fully compatible with Linux, Windows, and Mac. WPS Office offers a wide range of features for creating, editing, and sharing documents, spreadsheets, and presentations. It can also help you to improve your work efficiency by offering features such as collaboration and cloud storage.
FAQs
1.What OS supports Microsoft Office 2013?
Microsoft Office 2013 is supported on the following operating systems:
Windows 7
Windows Server 2008 R2
Windows 8
Windows Server 2012
Windows 8.1
Windows Server 2012 R2
Windows 10
Windows Server 2016
Windows Server 2019
Microsoft Office 2013 is no longer supported on Windows XP or Windows Vista.
2.What is the equivalent of Microsoft Office used in Linux Ubuntu OS?
The equivalent of Microsoft Office in Linux Ubuntu OS is LibreOffice. It's a free, open-source office suite with applications like Writer, Calc, and Impress, offering similar features to Microsoft Office.
Summary
This guide covers installing and using Microsoft Office 2013 on Linux, addressing compatibility issues. It provides three methods with personal insights, and highlights the benefits of Microsoft Office for Linux users. Additionally, it introduces WPS Office as an efficient alternative compatible with various platforms. The guide includes step-by-step instructions for downloading and editing with WPS Office, offering a seamless experience for users.
