What benefits does Microsoft Office offer compared to OpenOffice/LibreOffice?
What benefits does Microsoft Office offer compared to OpenOffice/LibreOffice?
What benefits does Microsoft Office offer compared to LibreOffice or OpenOffice? If you're just a light user needing to create basic text, spreadsheets, and simple financial records, is it worth investing in Microsoft Office in the long term?
ms office is a closed software, you can't make any modifications via api hooks.
open office/libre office is open source, allowing changes to the software.
the situation is similar to windows vs linux in logic.
funding sources differ: money loundry versus free options.
if you prefer using only spreadsheets, there are many alternatives available for free.
https://www.google.com/sheets/about/
- google sheets
https://www.wps.com/
- wps office
http://www.gnumeric.org/
- gnumeric
https://www.portablefreeware.com/?id=561
- spread32
the ease of use and compatibility with earlier versions are the main positive aspects of MS software. it's recommended to try any available trial versions to determine what suits you best.
I have both options available. MS Office and LibreOffice work well for everyday tasks, but if you need to run macros in spreadsheets or documents, LibreOffice presents a steep learning curve. The support materials for MS Office are extensive online, covering everything from beginner basics to advanced professional use. In contrast, LibreOffice's documentation is quite limited when it comes to advanced features. I often have to visit the Apache OpenOffice Basic Programming site to find answers for specific questions since LibreOffice lacks much of that functionality. Ultimately, it depends on whether you prefer spending money or opting for free tools.
As mentioned before, Open source versus paid options. Here are some additional practical distinctions (these may not apply to all MS licenses) – excluding the web-based version of MS Office. MS Office lacks a built-in formula editor; this feature must be purchased separately. In Libre Office, there is a Math program that connects with Calc (spreadsheet), Writer and Impress (presentations), and it can also function as a standalone app, allowing for the creation of complex formulas, saving them as separate files, and later inserting them into main documents. Libre Office comes with its own drawing tool, simply named "Draw," which works independently or integrates with other applications like spreadsheets, documents, or presentations. It supports running as a portable application, enabling use on USB drives without needing system permissions (i.e., it can be used without an administrator account). Within Libre Office, you have full control over button arrangements and can customize keyboard shortcuts to your preference. For example, pasting unformatted text into Word requires pressing Alt+H, V, T (though Alt+H sometimes fails), whereas in Libre Office this is not possible. The standard interface in Libre Office is the traditional toolbar setup. Users can switch to Ribbon menus (referred to as tabbed interfaces in Writer) and explore other options. MS Office relies on ribbon menus, and users cannot revert to the default toolbar layout. Libre Office is compatible with Linux distributions, typically included by default, so installation is usually unnecessary. Many distros also offer a live desktop environment via bootable USB, allowing document editing even without a fully installed OS. In MS Office, some users report warnings about license validity, which may cause the program to close immediately after clicking OK. This behavior does not occur in Libre Office. In Libre Office, names can be assigned to documents, and users can upload .ods files with custom usernames. However, uploading Excel files to web forums risks exposing personal details, which could lead to unwanted attention if the information is part of sensitive documentation. The default metadata in LibO leaves all fields blank until manually filled, unlike MS Office where fields remain unset. Additionally, I often switch between Excel and Libre Office depending on my environment—personal preferences lean toward LibO for its ease of use and flexibility. The pivot table feature feels more intuitive in Libre Office. Overall, the workflow in LibO is generally smoother, with better style management and greater customization options.
MS Office offers full compatibility with your workplace tools.
MS Access
As someone who integrates Office applications and user data, I require MS Office. However, if I couldn’t afford it for $20 through the Home Use Program (linked to my employer), I wouldn’t have it at home.
I’m using LibreOffice on all my secondary systems.
I discovered an incompatibility between Excel and LibreOffice Calc... LibreOffice supports fewer columns. I can’t recall the exact count in Excel and Calc. I found this issue while converting an xls file to Calc.
In most cases, this isn’t a problem. But it does exist.
Unless you really need every feature of MS Office, LibreOffice is perfectly acceptable.
When working with Microsoft Office users, LibreOffice offers a complete and well-developed office suite for everyone. For those who must interact with Microsoft Office, be aware of potential issues such as font problems on non-Windows systems and formatting inconsistencies. Compared to previous versions, things are improved, but complex document structures and advanced spreadsheets may still present challenges.
I frequently notice this specific module isn't bundled with Linux Distros during shipping, yet upon installing the complete Libre Office suite, the Base component is included. My Fedora setup serves as a clear illustration—while it doesn’t come pre-installed, I can easily locate and install the Base package myself by searching for its name. For those keen on doing so, here’s the approach:
Spoiler:
How to install Libre Office Base only (use active root password)
Code:
$ su
<enter your root password here>
# dnf search 'Libre*Base'
Last metadata expiration check: 1:13:46 ago on Tue 22 Feb 2022 05:22:52 PM CET.
======================================================= Name Matched: Libre*Base =======================================================
libreoffice-base.x86_64 : Database front-end for LibreOffice
If the root password is enabled, proceed without sudo for each command; otherwise, use sudo before every action.
We understand the exact package name is libreoffice-base.x86_64 and can install it via dnf.
Code:
# dnf install libreoffice-base.x86_64
Confirm with Y, then upon completion, type exit to leave as root, or press Ctrl+D for equivalent behavior.