How to install WPS Office 2019 on Linux Mint 20.1

Introduction

WPS Office 2019 has gained popularity among users for its lightweight design and powerful functionality, especially within the realm of Linux distributions like Linux Mint. This office suite offers a range of features comparable to other well-known software packages such as Microsoft Office and LibreOffice, making it an appealing choice for individuals and business users alike. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the installation process of WPS Office 2019 on Linux Mint 20.1, ensuring that you can maximize your productivity with this versatile tool.

What is WPS Office?

Overview of WPS Office

WPS Office, developed by Kingsoft, is a powerful office suite designed to cater to various needs such as document creation, spreadsheet calculations, and presentation design. The suite comprises three main applications: Writer, Presentation, and Spreadsheet, which function similarly to Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel, respectively.

Key Features

• Compatibility: One of its standout features is the ability to open and edit Microsoft Office file formats such as DOCX, XLSX, and PPTX, allowing for seamless collaboration.
• User-Friendly Interface: Its interface closely resembles that of Microsoft Office, which enhances usability for those familiar with Microsoft products.
• cloud integration: WPS Office provides options to store and manage documents in various cloud services, enhancing accessibility.
• Rich Templates: Users have access to a variety of templates that can significantly reduce the time spent on document formatting.

These features make WPS Office a robust alternative to other office suites, particularly for Linux users who seek a reliable and efficient office solution.

Prerequisites for Installation

Before diving into the installation process, ensure that your system meets the following prerequisites:

• A Stable Internet Connection: This is crucial for downloading the software and any dependencies.
• Sufficient Disk Space: WPS Office requires approximately 1 GB of disk space for installation.
• Linux Mint 20.1: The installation instructions presented here are tailored for Linux Mint 20.1. Users with different versions may experience variations in their processes.

Step-by-Step installation guide

Now that you’re familiar with WPS Office and have ensured that you meet the prerequisites, let’s explore the installation process step by step.

Step 1: Update Your System

Before installing any new software, it’s a good practice to update your system to ensure that all dependencies are current. Open the Terminal and execute the following commands:

bash
sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade

This command fetches the latest package lists and upgrades any outdated packages.

Step 2: Download WPS Office 2019

WPS Office can be installed from the official website or through a package manager. For this guide, we will download it directly from the WPS Office website.

1. Open your web browser and navigate to the WPS Office Download Page.
2. Locate the version for Linux and download the .deb file for Debian-based systems (which includes Linux Mint).

Step 3: Install WPS Office

Once the download is complete, navigate to the directory where the .deb file was saved. You can use the Terminal or the file manager to access this directory.

Using the Terminal

Convert your directory to where the downloaded file is located. For example:

bash
cd ~/Downloads

Next, enter the following command to install the downloaded .deb package:

bash
sudo dpkg -i wps-office_*.deb

During installation, you may encounter dependency issues. If this happens, you can resolve them by running:

bash
sudo apt install -f

This command will automatically detect and install any missing dependencies required by WPS Office.

Using the Graphical Interface

If you prefer a graphical interface, you can also install the downloaded package with a package manager like GDebi.

1. Right-click on the downloaded .deb file.
2. Choose “Open With” and select “GDebi Package Installer.”
3. Click on the “Install Package” button to complete the installation.

Step 4: Launch WPS Office

Once the installation is successful, you can easily launch WPS Office. Check your application menu for WPS Office entries corresponding to Writer, Presentation, and Spreadsheet.

Step 5: Activate WPS Office (Optional)

While WPS Office can be used without activation in its basic form, a free account may provide additional features and functionalities. If you wish to activate your copy:

1. Open WPS Office.
2. Navigate to the “Account” section.
3. Sign up or log in with your WPS account credentials.

Customizing WPS Office

User Preferences

After installation, it’s beneficial to explore the user interface and make necessary adjustments according to your preferences. WPS Office allows users to customize toolbars, font styles, and save locations, enhancing the overall experience.

Themes and Appearance

Changing the appearance can also improve usability. WPS Office provides different themes and backgrounds, which can help reduce eye strain during long work hours.

Common Issues and Solutions

While the installation process is generally straightforward, users might encounter a few common issues. Here’s how to troubleshoot them:

Issue 1: Dependency Problems

If you receive dependency errors during installation:

• Ensure your repositories are correctly set up in /etc/apt/sources.list. Outdated or missing repositories can lead to dependency issues.
• Use sudo apt update to refresh your package lists before attempting to install again.

Issue 2: WPS Office Crashing

In some cases, WPS Office may crash upon launch. This can be resolved by:

• Checking for updates both for Linux Mint and WPS Office.
• Launching the application via Terminal to see if it returns any specific error messages.

Issue 3: File Compatibility Issues

If you encounter issues while opening Microsoft Office files:

• Verify the file format. Sometimes, saving a file in a different format may resolve compatibility issues.

Conclusion

Installing WPS Office 2019 on Linux Mint 20.1 is a relatively simple process that can greatly enhance your productivity. With its robust features and compatibility across multiple file formats, WPS Office stands as a powerful alternative to other office suites, making it ideal for both personal and professional use. Follow the steps outlined in this guide to effortlessly set up WPS Office on your system.

FAQ

1. Is WPS Office completely free to use?

WPS Office provides a free version that includes most features, but certain premium features may require a subscription or account activation.

2. Can I install WPS Office on other Linux distributions?

Yes, while this guide focuses on Linux Mint, WPS Office can be installed on other Debian-based distributions and some RPM-based distributions with minor adjustments.

3. Does WPS Office support collaborative work?

WPS Office has cloud functionality that allows users to store and share documents for collaborative work, similar to Google Docs.

4. How do I uninstall WPS Office?

To uninstall WPS Office, use the following command in the Terminal:

bash
sudo apt remove wps-office

5. Are there alternatives to WPS Office?

Yes, alternatives include LibreOffice, OnlyOffice, and Google Docs, each offering unique features and advantages.

6. What should I do if I encounter a specific error message during installation?

Research the error message online or visit forums dedicated to Linux and WPS Office, as they often provide valuable solutions and insights.