I'm working to keep my Linux environment streamlined and minimize any unnecessary network traffic. I'm curious if WPS Office requires an online activation to function properly. Can it be used entirely offline for handling documents and spreadsheets? Additionally, does it have any background services or auto-updaters running, and have you seen any outbound connections when the app is just sitting idle? I'm not against using apps that connect to the internet; I just want to understand what WPS Office might be doing behind the scenes before I decide to make it my main office suite.
4 Answers
Honestly, I’m not too familiar with WPS Office. If you like it, you could just try it for a bit. But be cautious! Trust your instincts with apps, especially when they aren’t open source. If you're worried, consider using it in Flatpak and turn off network access. That way, you're extra safe from any unwanted connections.
Some people label WPS Office as malware. I wouldn't use it without some serious research and trust. It's better to stick to more reputable software if you're uncertain.
I don't think WPS Office really requires an online connection to work since it’s free. However, I have my doubts that it might still gather some telemetry data or maybe promote cloud storage features. Just something to look out for! You might want to double-check what kind of data it sends out before using it.
Yeah, I agree with you! It's good practice to check what apps are sending out. Just because it seems harmless doesn't mean it is!
You might want to consider alternatives like LibreOffice instead of WPS Office. It’s open-source, so there's less risk of unexpected connections or data collection. Plus, you'll find it has pretty robust features for what you need!
Totally! LibreOffice has been my go-to, and it's super reliable without those shady network links.

Yeah, I wish these bold statements had more backing. Opinions are great, but let's see some facts!