How to install WPS Office 2019 on Linux Mint 19.2

Introduction

Installing office software on Linux can often seem daunting, especially for those accustomed to popular options available on Windows or macOS. WPS Office is a compelling alternative, offering a rich set of features that cater to both individual users and businesses. In this guide, we will walk you through the process of installing WPS Office 2019 on Linux Mint 19.2, ensuring that you have everything you need to set it up smoothly.

What is WPS Office?

WPS Office (Writer, Presentation, and Spreadsheets) is a cross-platform office suite developed by Kingsoft. Renowned for its compatibility with Microsoft Office formats, WPS Office provides tools for document creation, data analysis, and presentation design. This suite’s user interface is familiar and intuitive, making it an excellent choice for Linux users migrating from other operating systems.

Features of WPS Office 2019

1. Word Processor: Similar to Microsoft Word, the Writer component offers a vast array of formatting tools, templates, and layout options, enabling users to create professional documents efficiently.

2. Spreadsheet Tool: WPS Spreadsheets mimics Excel’s capabilities, featuring formulas, data analytics, and graphing functionalities, which are essential for users engaged in numerical tasks.

3. Presentation Software: WPS Presentation allows you to create stunning slideshows with animations and various multimedia insert options.

4. File Compatibility: One of the standout features of WPS Office is its ability to open and edit Microsoft Office files (.docx, .xlsx, .pptx) without significant loss of formatting.

5. Cross-Platform Functionality: WPS Office is available for Windows, macOS, Linux, and mobile platforms.

System Requirements

Before getting started with the installation, it’s crucial to confirm that your system meets the necessary requirements to ensure smooth operation:

• Operating System: Linux Mint 19.2 (based on Ubuntu 18.04) or later.
• Processor: 1 GHz or faster.
• RAM: 1 GB minimum (2 GB recommended).
• Disk Space: At least 2 GB of free space.

Having a system that meets or exceeds these specifications will enhance your experience and prevent potential issues during usage.

Installing WPS Office 2019 on Linux Mint 19.2

The installation of WPS Office can be accomplished through two primary methods: via the terminal (command line) or via the graphical user interface (GUI). We will discuss both methods to accommodate different preferences.

Method 1: Installation via Terminal

Using the terminal is a straightforward and efficient way to install software on Linux systems. Follow these steps:

1. Open Terminal: You can find the Terminal application in the ‘Menu’ or by pressing Ctrl + Alt + T.

2. Update Your System: Before installing new software, ensure your system is up-to-date. Type the following command and press Enter:

   bash
   sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade

3. Download the WPS Office Package: First, navigate to the official WPS Office website to obtain the latest version. At the time of this writing, WPS Office may be available as a .deb package, which is suitable for Debian-based distributions like Mint. You can download the package using:

   bash
   wget https://kdl.cc.ks-cdn.com/ks3/WPS/office/office/11.2.0.9015/wps-office_11.2.0.9015_amd64.deb

   (Note: Confirm the URL from the WPS Office website, as it may receive updates.)

4. Install the Package: Once you have downloaded the package, you can install it using the following command:

   bash
   sudo dpkg -i wps-office_11.2.0.9015_amd64.deb

   If you encounter issues related to dependencies, run:

   bash
   sudo apt-get install -f

5. Launch WPS Office: After installation, you can find WPS Office in your application menu under “Office” or “WPS Office.”

Method 2: Installation via Graphical User Interface (GUI)

If you prefer using the GUI instead of the terminal, here’s how you can install WPS Office:

1. Download the WPS Office Package: Use your web browser to visit the official WPS Office website and download the latest .deb installation file.

2. Locate the Downloaded File: After the download is complete, navigate to your ‘Downloads’ folder.

3. Install the Package: Double-click on the downloaded .deb file. This action will open it using the Software Manager. Click on the “Install” button. You might need to enter your password to authorize the installation.

4. Launching WPS Office: Once the installation completes, search for WPS Office in your application menu and launch it.

Configuring WPS Office

After you have successfully installed WPS Office, it’s time to configure the application to suit your preferences. Upon first launching, you will be prompted to accept the license agreement. After that, you can explore the following options:

Setting Default File Formats

To ensure a seamless transition, you may want to set your preferred default file formats. Here’s how:

1. Open WPS Office.
2. Access Options: Click on “Tools” in the top menu, then select “Options.”
3. Default Format Settings: In the options window, you can set default formats for text documents, spreadsheets, and presentations according to your preferred needs.

Personalizing the User Interface

WPS Office allows users to personalize the interface:

1. Theme Selection: Navigate to “Options” under the “Tools” menu and choose the “Theme” tab. Here, you can select from various visual themes.
2. Toolbars and Menus: You can customize your toolbars to include the tools you use most frequently for quicker access.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

While WPS Office is generally reliable, you may occasionally encounter a few hiccups. Below are common issues and their solutions:

installation errors

If you receive dependency errors during installation, make sure you run sudo apt-get install -f to resolve these. This command checks and installs any missing dependencies.

application crashes

If the application crashes upon launching, try running it from the terminal with the command:

bash
wps

This command will provide error logs, which can help identify the issue.

File Compatibility Issues

Even though WPS Office strives for compatibility, complex Microsoft Office documents may not render perfectly. If formatting issues arise, consider simplifying the document before conversion or editing directly in WPS.

Advantages of Using WPS Office on Linux

1. User-Friendly Interface: Its familiar interface reduces the learning curve, especially for newcomers transitioning from Windows.

2. Comprehensive Toolset: With a functionality range comparable to that of Microsoft Office, WPS Office provides all the necessary tools for most productivity needs.

3. Regular Updates: WPS Office consistently rolls out updates, improving features and fixing bugs to offer an enhanced user experience.

4. Free to Use: While WPS Office has premium features available, the core functionalities remain free, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious users.

Conclusion

Installing WPS Office 2019 on Linux Mint 19.2 is a simple yet effective way to enhance your productivity. This office suite not only provides essential tools for document creation and management but also maintains a high degree of compatibility with Microsoft Office formats, making it an appealing choice for users familiar with that environment. With the outlined methods of installation and configuration, you will find that setting up WPS Office on your Linux system is a straightforward process.

FAQ

1. Can I install WPS Office on other Linux distributions?
Yes, WPS Office can be installed on various distributions such as Ubuntu, Fedora, and openSUSE, using the appropriate package format (.deb or .rpm).

2. Is there a version of WPS Office that works offline?
Yes, WPS Office provides full offline functionality once installed, allowing you to work without an internet connection.

3. Are there any paid features in WPS Office?
WPS Office offers a free version with many core functionalities. However, certain advanced features and templates may be available only through a premium subscription.

4. How does WPS Office compare to LibreOffice?
While both suites offer similar functionalities, WPS Office tends to have a more polished user interface and better compatibility with Microsoft Office formats compared to LibreOffice.

5. Can I sync documents across devices with WPS Office?
Yes, WPS Office includes cloud services allowing you to sync your documents across devices, although this may require a subscription for enhanced features.

6. What should I do if WPS Office won’t open my Microsoft Office files correctly?
In such cases, check for updates to ensure you are using the latest version of WPS Office. If issues persist, try saving the documents in a different format that WPS Office supports well, such as ODS or ODT.