I tried switching to Linux before but went back to Windows because of various compatibility problems. I'd like to give Linux another try, but I rely heavily on an Excel workbook I've built over the years for tracking students' grades, evaluations, and related information. It uses many macros and scripts, and I'd also like office software with modern AI features. Is there any Linux-native office suite that can handle this reliably, or would I need to keep using Windows somehow?
4 Answers
Remote integration tools can expose Windows applications on a Linux desktop, but setting them up is more involved than simply installing an office suite. If you want something dependable with minimal tinkering, keeping a Windows installation or using a virtual machine is likely easier than trying to make every macro work elsewhere.
It may be worth documenting what each macro actually does instead of treating the entire workbook as inseparable from Excel. Some functions might be handled by a database, a dedicated education tool, or a small web application. Spreadsheets can manage linked data, but they become difficult to maintain when they’re effectively being used as custom software.
You can try running a compatible version of Microsoft Office through Wine, or use a Windows virtual machine. Office 2016 may work well enough for some setups, but compatibility with macros can vary, so it’s best to test a copy of the workbook before committing. A virtual machine is generally more predictable, though it uses more system resources.
If the workbook depends on Microsoft VBA, there really isn’t a Linux-native replacement with full compatibility. Excel for the web won’t run VBA, and alternatives such as LibreOffice or OnlyOffice use different scripting systems, so the macros would need to be rewritten. The reliable choices are staying with Windows, running Excel in a Windows virtual machine, or using a separate Windows computer.
The spreadsheet is for managing grades and evaluations as a teacher, and I’ve refined it over several years. It’s the main thing keeping me on Windows, although I could move my cloud storage to another provider.
That’s probably the long-term plan. I may eventually turn the spreadsheet into a web app, but I’m looking for the least disruptive option in the meantime.