Install LibreOffice with Deb File on Debian Linux | Easy Steps

This guide provides a comprehensive walkthrough on how to Install LibreOffice with Deb File on Debian Linux. Whether you’re running Debian 11 or the latest Debian 12, this method will allow you to easily install and use this powerful office suite. Let’s explore what LibreOffice is and then dive into the installation process.

What is LibreOffice and why is it used?

LibreOffice is a versatile, document-oriented tool available for most Linux distributions. It empowers users to perform a multitude of tasks, including:

Creating and editing text documents (Writer).
Developing spreadsheets (Calc).
Designing presentations (Impress).
Working with databases (Base).
Creating vector graphics and diagrams (Draw).
Editing mathematical formulas (Math).

LibreOffice stands out as a free and open-source alternative to proprietary office suites like Microsoft Office. Its accessibility and comprehensive feature set make it a popular choice for individuals and organizations alike.

To follow this guide, you’ll need access to your Debian server as a non-root user with sudo privileges. You can find helpful resources on initial server setup for Debian on various platforms.

Let’s move on to the steps required to Install LibreOffice with Deb File on Debian Linux.

Step 1 – Download LibreOffice Deb File on Debian

First, update your system’s package list to ensure you have the latest information:

sudo apt update

Next, visit the LibreOffice official site to download the appropriate Deb package. Alternatively, you can use the wget command directly from your terminal:

sudo wget https://fastmirror.pp.ua/tdf/libreoffice/stable/7.5.4/deb/x86_64/LibreOffice_7.5.4_Linux_x86-64_deb.tar.gz

Once the download is complete, you’ll need to extract the downloaded archive.

Step 2 – Extract the LibreOffice Deb Package

Use the following command to extract the downloaded LibreOffice archive on your Debian system:

sudo tar zxvf LibreOffice_7.5.4_Linux_x86-64_deb.tar.gz

This command will create a directory containing the DEB files needed for installation.

Step 3 – Install LibreOffice on Debian Linux

Navigate to the extracted directory containing the DEBS:

sudo cd ~/LibreOffice_7.5.4.2_Linux_x86-64_deb/DEBS

Now, use the dpkg command to install all the DEB files, including language packs:

sudo dpkg -i *.deb

This command unpacks the software into the /opt/libreoffice$version/ directory.

You can launch LibreOffice from the command line using:

# libreoffice7.5

Or

# /opt/libreoffice7.5/program/soffice

Alternatively, you can find and launch it from your desktop environment’s application menu.

Step 4 – Uninstall LibreOffice from Debian Linux

If you decide to remove LibreOffice, you can use the following command:

sudo apt purge libreoffice7.5*

This command will remove LibreOffice and its associated configuration files.

Conclusion

You have successfully learned how to Install LibreOffice with Deb File on Debian Linux. Enjoy using this excellent alternative to Microsoft Office.

Alternative Installation Methods for LibreOffice on Debian

While installing LibreOffice using the DEB package is a valid method, there are alternative approaches that can be more convenient or suitable for specific scenarios. Let’s explore two such alternatives: using apt from the official repositories and using Snap packages.

Alternative 1: Installing LibreOffice Using `apt` from the Debian Repositories

The most straightforward method to Install LibreOffice with Deb File on Debian Linux is using the apt package manager to install LibreOffice directly from the official Debian repositories. This method is often preferred because it handles dependencies automatically and ensures that you receive updates through the standard system update process.

Explanation:

Debian’s package repositories contain pre-built packages of LibreOffice that are compatible with your system. By using apt, you can easily download and install these packages without having to manually download and extract DEB files. The apt package manager will also handle any dependencies that LibreOffice requires, ensuring a smooth installation process.

Steps:

Update the Package List: Ensure your package list is up-to-date by running the following command:
```
sudo apt update
```
Install LibreOffice: Install the LibreOffice meta-package using the following command:
```
sudo apt install libreoffice
```
This command will install the core LibreOffice components, including Writer, Calc, Impress, etc.
Verify Installation: After the installation is complete, you can verify it by launching LibreOffice from your application menu or by running the following command in the terminal:
```
libreoffice --version
```

Advantages:

Simplicity: Easy to install with a single command.
Automatic Updates: Receives updates through the standard system update process.
Dependency Management: Handles dependencies automatically.

Disadvantages:

Version Lag: The version in the official repositories might not be the latest.

Alternative 2: Installing LibreOffice Using Snap Packages

Snap is a package management system developed by Canonical (the company behind Ubuntu) that allows you to install applications in a sandboxed environment. Using Snap is another alternative way to Install LibreOffice with Deb File on Debian Linux.

Explanation:

Snap packages are self-contained and include all the dependencies required to run the application. This means that they are less likely to conflict with other software on your system. Snap packages are also updated automatically in the background, ensuring that you always have the latest version of LibreOffice.