Is It Possible to Run Microsoft Excel on SteamOS?

SteamOS is a popular operating system designed specifically for gaming, but the flexibility of this system along with the integration of Linux capabilities makes it suitable for various applications, including running Microsoft Excel-like applications. This article explores how you can run Microsoft Excel on SteamOS, detailing the alternatives available and the process of setting them up.

Why Would You Want to Run Microsoft Excel on SteamOS?

SteamOS is primarily designed for gaming, and most users might not need the full capabilities of Microsoft Excel. However, for those who require a basic alternative for interactive spreadsheet work, the ability to run such applications on SteamOS can be quite useful. Some key reasons might include:

Potential for remote work when gaming is brief. Compatibility with existing files and templates. Convenience of a familiar interface.

Running the Online Version of Excel on SteamOS

The easiest and most seamless way to use Excel on SteamOS is by using the online version of the application in your web browser. Microsoft provides a cloud-based service for accessing Excel, allowing you to open, create, and save documents right within your browser. This method is platform-agnostic, meaning it works on any device with a modern web browser.

Visit the Microsoft Excel website. Sign in with your Microsoft account if prompted. Create or open a new document directly from your web browser.

Using LibreOffice Calc on SteamOS

For a fully-featured alternative to Microsoft Excel that can directly run on SteamOS, you can use LibreOffice Calc. LibreOffice is a free and open-source suite that includes a full-featured spreadsheet application similar to Microsoft Excel. It is compatible with ODF (OpenDocument Format) and can open and save Excel files.

Install LibreOffice on your SteamOS system. You can download it from the official website. Launch LibreOffice Calc from your applications menu. Open an existing Excel file or create a new one.

Using OnlyOffice Spreadsheet on SteamOS

OnlyOffice Spreadsheet is another alternative that offers a similar feature set to Microsoft Excel. It is designed for real-time collaboration and can also open and save Excel files. OnlyOffice is a web application that can be installed locally on your SteamOS device.

Download the OnlyOffice Desktop Editors for Linux from their official website. Run the installer and follow the instructions to install OnlyOffice on your SteamOS device. Launch OnlyOffice and open an existing Excel file or create a new one.

Comparison of Excel Alternatives

Below is a comparison of the online version of Excel, LibreOffice Calc, and OnlyOffice Spreadsheet in terms of features and integration:

Application Features Integration License Online Excel Basic Excel features, cloud-based Internet browser Microsoft proprietary LibreOffice Calc Full-featured, offline Local file system, LibreOffice suite Open-source OnlyOffice Spreadsheet Real-time collaboration, offline mode Local and cloud-based, OnlyOffice suite Open-source (with collaboration)

Conclusion

While SteamOS was initially designed for gaming, its flexibility and the availability of Linux-based alternatives make it possible to run Microsoft Excel-like applications. Whether you need the online version of Excel, a fully-featured LibreOffice Calc, or the collaborative capabilities of OnlyOffice Spreadsheet, the possibilities are there. Choose the option that best suits your needs, and you can continue to use your preferred spreadsheet applications even on a gaming-focused operating system.