How to Install and Set Up LibreOffice (Free Office Suite)

In this post, I want to talk a little about how to install LibreOffice. You have some choices in Linux An alternative to Windows or MacOS on computers. .

LibreOffice is also available on Windows and Mac.
LibreOffice's install instructions for Linux, macOS, and Windows

Pre-installed

Some Linux An alternative to Windows or MacOS on computers. distros Bundles the Linux kernel with other software components for a complete operating system come with LibreOffice pre-installed. You'll find it in the App Center or "Software" app and be able to update it there.

Linux An alternative to Windows or MacOS on computers. app center or "software" center

You can often get LibreOffice from your distro Bundles the Linux kernel with other software components for a complete operating system 's app center if it doesn't come pre-installed. You may see "Canonical" as the distributor of the package, or "The Document Foundation." Those are expected and fine to download from.

Linux An alternative to Windows or MacOS on computers. terminal a text-based tool where you navigate your system and run commands by typing instead of clicking in a user interface

If you like using the terminal a text-based tool where you navigate your system and run commands by typing instead of clicking in a user interface , you can do it there, too.

Download from the website

Another option is to download it from the website where you'll likely get the very latest version.

Which one?

None of these are wrong. Pick what works best for you. Make sure to keep it up to date.

If you're not technical or tend to utter an "oh I don't know about that" when presented with computer stuff, go with the App Center or "Software" center in your Linux An alternative to Windows or MacOS on computers. distro Bundles the Linux kernel with other software components for a complete operating system .

The Microsoft Store also has it. I'd give you more details about how to get it on your Apple computer, but I'm too far removed from them.

How to check for updates

If you installed via an app store or on the terminal a text-based tool where you navigate your system and run commands by typing instead of clicking in a user interface , you may not see any "check for updates" in menus in LibreOffice. You'll have to go to where you installed it for updates.

Conclusion

Setting up LibreOffice is simple and easy, and it's probably one of the easiest things you can do to improve your privacy and security. You benefit as soon as you hit install and it doesn't cost you a dime!

If you download it, your next step might be to make it look and feel like Microsoft Office.