Installing MS Office 2013 on Ubuntu 12.04 LTS

Question

I am trying to install Microsoft Office 2013 on Ubuntu 12.04 LTS (32-bit). I have downloaded an iso file of said product and installed wine1.4-i386 using the apt-get command on the terminal.

The question is I don't know the steps how to install it. I can't get much tutorials on Internet how MSOffice2013 can be installed on Ubuntu.

If any versions of wine isn't an option, what other options can be used to run Microsoft Office 2013?

Solution 1

According to Wine HQ, Microsoft Office 2013, can't be installed.

I you would suggest that you look at Libreoffice, or if insist on MS office, you can try Office 365.

Solution 2

I suggest you use AbiWord instead. It's compatible with DocX and you has a number of advantages over word (no, I'm not joking, really)... there's a good reason why it's referred to affectionately as "the underappreciated word processor" by some.

As for the rest of Office, I suggest you do one of four things:

1. If you must have Office 2013, it doesn't current work w/ Wine... so use VMWare, etc.
   
   ADVANTAGES: the software you want!
   
   DISADVANTAGES: in separate environment)
   
   
2. Install Office 2010 instead on Wine. IMPORTANT!! (I don't recall seeing anyone else put this... ONLY the 32-bit version works. The 64-bit won't install (just like 2013).
   
   ADVANTAGES: faster access, probably more responsive, easier file access!
   
   DISADVANTAGES: you may miss some of 2013's features if you're a power user or find it less visually appealing, depending on your preferences.)
   
   
3. Get an Office 365 subscription. Test if it the desktop versions will install in Wine (and add your results here, please). Even if they won't you can still use the in-browser version when your internet connected (which I assume is most of the time)
   
   ADVANTAGES: fast, your data auto-saves and is accessible anywhere from the cloud in-browser!
   
   DISADVANTAGES: major step down in functionalility.)
   
   
4. Switch to an open source or third party alternative, e.g. Libre Office (widely distributed w/ Linux) or Google Docs (in the cloud)
   
   ADVANTAGES: Probably free! Inherent advantages if you pick a cloud app. Personal satisfaction if you support open source!
   
   DISADVANTAGES: Probably lacks compatibility w/ at least some Office features.
   
   

Hope that helps!

P.S. I'm not sure why some downvoted you -- this seems a valid question. True, you might not have provided all the possible info (e.g. why you're not considering Office 2010 or an alternative like Libre Office), but you asked a relatively clear question, which is perfectly reasonable from a beginner-to-mid-range user. Let's be respectful... I digress.

Solution 3

You can also try:

1. WinConn. This is a remote app manager that uses FreeRDP, a free implementation of the RDP protocol. It allows you to run office 2013 in a virtual machine(Make sure you use Windows 7 Ultimate edition!), but it looks like you're just running a local application in a seperate window.
2. Office 2010 with PlayOnLinux. This is software based on Wine.
3. Office 365 in your browser.

4. Skydrive in your browser. You can then create a Word document/PowerPoint presentation/Excel document/OneNote note free of charge. Keep in mind though you just got a limited set of features(It's actually a stripped down version of a paid Office 365 account)

5. Google docs

6. Kingsoft office for linux. Although it's still in alpha stage, Kingsoft office for Windows has build up a reputation for being a worthy alternative to Microsoft Office.

Comments

[chadwicke619]

I don't think you can install office 2013 using wine as well as it's not supported yet.

[David B]

Even the 32-bit wine is installed? Is there another to install MSOffice 2013?

[Mitch]

That's true. It will not run. You can try Office 2010. See Here.

[Jason R. Mick]

Only Office 2010 32-bit, though (as I say below)... and I suggest he tries AbiWord for his doc processor, it's compatible with DocX, and arguable faster and nicer than word... no need for Wine, as well! :)

[connie new]

Try older versions of Microsoft Office. The best one I use office 2007, although 2010 also works to some extent. the only way I can see of getting office 2013 to work is on a Windows virtual machine

[Admin]

this Softpedia page says wine 1.7.10 should work with msoffice2013. Trying to confirm that, no success.

[David B]

Even though I've installed the 32-bit support of wine?

[David B]

Is there any other option to run Microsoft Office 2013?

[Mitch]

Load windows under a VM, such as VirtualBox or VMware, and install office that way. VirtualBox is a free application, where as VMware is not.

[Mitch]

As I stated before, you can try office 2010. Any specific reason you want to use 2013? if you don't mind me asking.

[David B]

I've preferred using MS2013 some of the features are not equal with other open source document programs (OpenOffice, LibreOffice, etc).

[Jason R. Mick]

@Mitch It's worth noting if he tries that, that only the 32-bit 2010 installer works, NOT the 64-bit version for some reason (source: WINE HQ appdb.winehq.org/… )

[David B]

Thanks for this detailed information. I appreciated it. I will try this until MS Office 2013 to be able to run on ubuntu without making a virtual for its environment

[Jason R. Mick]

No problem, let me know how it goes! :)

[Novine]

Kingsoft office is really great. I use it all the time. What I love is that Linux users get loads of Pro features by default, like the Ribbon. One thing to note is that when installing on a 64-bit system you MUST install ia32-libs first! Otherwise, nice answer.

[ClairelyClaire]

Worth noting for anyone who finds this - Office 365 is NOT a different desktop software product from Office 2013. It is the same binaries and software. The licensing is different, but what is installed is the exact same product as a single-license retail copy of Office 2013.