How to install WPS Office 2019 on Linux Mint 19.3

Introduction to WPS Office 2019 on Linux Mint 19.3

In today’s digital landscape, choosing the right office suite to handle your documents, presentations, and spreadsheets is crucial. WPS Office 2019 is a popular choice among Linux users due to its versatility and user-friendly interface. It not only offers a rich set of features akin to Microsoft Office but also integrates well with Linux systems like Linux Mint 19.3. This comprehensive guide will take you through the steps to install WPS Office 2019 on Linux Mint 19.3, ensuring you have everything you need for a hassle-free installation.

Why Choose WPS Office?

Feature-Rich Application

WPS Office stands out due to its comprehensive suite that includes Writer, Presentation, and Spreadsheet applications. Users benefit from a wide array of features such as:

• Compatibility: WPS Office supports various file formats, including .doc, .docx, .xls, .xlsx, .ppt, and .pptx, making it easy to open and save files created in other office suites.
• user interface: The interface is clean and intuitive, similar to Microsoft Word, which helps users transition smoothly without a steep learning curve.
• Templates: A library of pre-designed templates is available for professional document creation.

Cross-Platform Availability

Another compelling reason to choose WPS Office is its availability across multiple platforms. Whether you are using Windows, Linux, or mobile devices, you can maintain a consistent experience across your devices.

Prerequisites for Installation

Before you proceed with the installation, there are a few things you must ensure:

System Requirements

• Operating System: Linux Mint 19.3 (also compatible with other Linux distributions based on Ubuntu 18.04).
• Architecture: 64-bit system is recommended to ensure compatibility with the latest features.
• Disk Space: At least 1 GB of free space is required for installation.

Updating Your System

Before installing any new software, it’s always prudent to update your system. Open the terminal and run the following commands to update your system packages:

bash
sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade

This process ensures that all your existing software is up to date, reducing the risk of conflicts during installation.

Downloading WPS Office 2019

WPS Office can be downloaded directly from the official website. Follow these steps:

1. Open your web browser and navigate to the WPS Office official website.
2. Locate the Download section and choose the Linux version.
3. Select the correct version (usually the latest) and download the .deb file, which is suitable for Ubuntu-based distributions like Linux Mint.

Installing WPS Office 2019

Using the Terminal

One of the methods to install WPS Office is through the terminal. Here are the step-by-step instructions:

1. Open the terminal by pressing Ctrl + Alt + T.

2. Navigate to the directory where you downloaded the .deb file. For example, if it’s in your Downloads folder, you would type:

   bash
   cd ~/Downloads

3. Install the package using the following command:

   bash
   sudo dpkg -i wps-office_*.deb

4. If you encounter dependency issues during the installation, run:

   bash
   sudo apt install -f

5. After the installation completes successfully, you can launch WPS Office from your applications menu.

Using GUI Installation

If you prefer using a graphical interface for installation, follow these steps:

1. Open your file manager and navigate to the Downloads folder.
2. Locate the WPS Office .deb file you downloaded.
3. Right-click on the .deb file and select “Open with GDebi Package Installer” or “Open with Software Install.”
4. Click the “Install” button. You may be prompted to enter your password to authorize the installation.
5. Once completed, you can find WPS Office in your application menu.

Launching WPS Office 2019

After installation, launching WPS Office is a straightforward process:

1. Navigate to your applications menu.
2. Search for “WPS Office” or simply “WPS.”
3. Click the icon to launch the application.

You can also pin WPS Office to your taskbar for easier access in the future.

Configuring WPS Office

WPS Office allows you to tailor the experience to your preferences. Upon launching the application, you may wish to configure the settings:

1. User Interface: Go to the ‘Tools’ menu and select ‘Options’ to customize the toolbar, fonts, and more.
2. File Locations: Adjust your default file save locations to streamline your workflow.
3. Templates: Explore the available templates for documents, which can save you time in creating professional-looking files.

Troubleshooting Common Installation Issues

Occasionally, users may face issues during or after installation. Here are some common problems and their solutions:

Dependency Issues

If you encounter messages about missing dependencies, running the command sudo apt install -f in the terminal typically resolves these issues by automatically installing any required packages.

Application Not Starting

If WPS Office fails to launch after installation, try the following:

• Ensure that your system is fully updated.
• Sometimes, rebooting the machine can refresh system services and resolve startup issues.
• Check for error messages in the terminal. Run wps in the terminal to see if error messages provide any clues.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is WPS Office completely free?

While WPS Office does offer a free version with essential features, there are premium features available through a paid subscription. However, the free version is robust enough for most user needs.

Q2: Can I open Microsoft Office files in WPS Office?

Yes! WPS Office supports a wide range of Microsoft Office file formats, allowing you to open, edit, and save documents without any data loss.

Q3: Will my settings be saved if I uninstall WPS Office?

Uninstalling WPS Office will typically remove the application itself, but your documents will remain intact. However, personalized settings may be lost, so it’s good practice to back up any template files or custom configurations before uninstallation.

Q4: Is WPS Office available on other platforms?

Yes, WPS Office is available on multiple platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS, enabling users to access their documents across different devices easily.

Q5: How does WPS Office compare to LibreOffice?

WPS Office has a more polished interface similar to Microsoft Office, which some users find easier to navigate. However, LibreOffice is an open-source alternative, offering extensive feature sets without any associated costs. Your choice may depend on preferred usability and features.

Q6: How do I keep WPS Office updated?

WPS Office should provide notifications for available updates when you launch the app. You can also check the official website periodically for the latest version and new features.

Conclusion

Installing WPS Office 2019 on Linux Mint 19.3 is a straightforward process that opens up a world of possibilities for document creation and editing. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you will be well-equipped to leverage the powerful features that WPS Office offers. With its user-friendly interface and compatibility with various file formats, it serves as an excellent alternative for users looking for a comprehensive office suite on Linux. Whether you’re a student, professional, or casual user, WPS Office can help enhance your productivity and allow you to work efficiently.