Recommended Free Tools
You can install Apache OpenOffice on Arch Linux by downloading its official Linux x86-64 RPM archive, extracting it, and installing the RPM files manually. Apache OpenOffice documents RPM-based installation rather than an Arch-specific pacman package, so this is not a normal pacman install. The steps below cover desktop integration, launching the suite, and checking for conflicts with LibreOffice.
Before you install
Apache OpenOffice’s Linux requirements page lists Linux kernel 2.6 or newer, glibc 2.11.1 or newer, at least 256 MB of RAM, 400 MB of available disk space, and an X server at 1024×768 or higher with at least 256 colours. The page does not state when these requirements were published, so treat them as upstream’s listed requirements—not a guarantee of compatibility with every current Arch Linux setup. See Apache OpenOffice’s Linux system requirements.
If you need Java integration, the older OpenOffice installation instructions say to install a JRE. They do not establish which Java version is appropriate for a current Arch system; check the needs of the specific feature you plan to use rather than assuming a historical version is suitable.
Download the official Linux archive
Open the Apache OpenOffice download page and select the current Linux x86-64 RPM build and your language. The page provides selectors for version, operating system, platform, package type, and language, and links to an alternative download page if needed. Confirm that you have chosen the RPM package for Linux, not a package for another operating system or architecture.
#1 Best Overall
- Intel Core i5-1335U Processor (12M Cache, 12 Threads, up to 4.6 GHz) - 256GB Solid State Drive - 16GB DDR4 SDRAM
- 15.6" FHD (1920x1080) Non-Touch Anti-Glare Display - Intel UHD 620 Integrated Graphics - Stereo Speakers
- 720p HD Webcam with Privacy Shutter. Integrated Microphone - Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC (2x2) 8265, Bluetooth Version 4.2
- I/O Ports: 2x USB 3.0, 1x USB 3.1 Type-C 3.1, Headphone/Mic Combo Port, 4-in-1 Card Reader, HDMI, Kensington Mini-Lock Slot
- Linux Mint (Cinnamon) 64-Bit - Keyboard with Full NumberPad - Fast Charging
Extract and install OpenOffice
1. Extract the downloaded file
In a terminal, change to the directory containing the downloaded archive. Use the command below, substituting the actual filename if the wildcard does not match:
tar -xvzf Apache_OpenOffice_*.tar.gzThe archive extracts into a language-named directory, such as en-US. The exact directory name depends on the release and language. You can inspect the extracted folders with ls before continuing. Follow the extraction step in the official installation instructions.
Rank #2
- Intel Core i5-10210U (up to 4.2GHz) - 1TB PCIe NVMe + 1TB HDD - 32GB DDR4 SDRAM
- 17.3" HD+ (1600x900) Display, Intel UHD Graphics 620
- Built in HD 720p Webcam with Microphone - Bluetooth Version4.2
- I/O Ports: 2x USB 3.1 (Data Only), 1x USB 2.0, 1x HDMI, 1x Headphone/Microphone Combo Jack
- Linux Mint Cinnamon 64-Bit - 6-Row Keyboard w/ Full Numberpad
2. Install the RPM files
Enter the archive’s RPMS directory and install its RPM files with root privileges:
cd Apache_OpenOffice_*/en-US/RPMS
sudo rpm -Uvih *.rpmAdjust the path if your extracted directory uses a different language name or release folder; check it with ls rather than assuming the example path exists. OpenOffice’s instructions use rpm -Uvih *rpm and say the default installation location is /opt. Arch may not have the rpm command installed by default. If it is missing, obtain an RPM utility from a trusted Arch source. A conversion workflow is an alternative some users may consider, but it is not the official OpenOffice installation method; check the release’s dependencies before relying on one.
Rank #3
- [ULTRA-RUGGED DESIGN] MIL-STD-810G and IP65 certified. Built to survive 6-foot drops, heavy rain, and extreme vibrations. Features a magnesium alloy chassis with an integrated carry handle for maximum portability
- [4G LTE - WORK ANYWHERE] Integrated 4G LTE Multi-Carrier Mobile Broadband. Stay connected to the internet in remote areas or on the road without relying on Wi-Fi or phone hotspots. True mobile freedom for field professionals
- [1200-NIT SUNLIGHT READABLE] 13.1" XGA Touchscreen with CircuLumin technology. At 1200 nits, it is nearly 4x brighter than a standard laptop, ensuring perfect visibility under direct, intense sunlight
- [LINUX UBUNTU PRE-INSTALLED] Fast, secure, and bloatware-free. Optimized for developers, network engineers, and diagnostic software that thrives in a stable, open-source environment
- [LEGACY SERIAL PORT] Features a native RS-232 Serial Port, HDMI, and USB 3.0. Essential for connecting directly to industrial machinery, CNCs, and automotive diagnostic tools without unreliable adapter
3. Install desktop integration
If the extracted archive includes a desktop-integration directory, enter it and install the integration package suited to your desktop environment. OpenOffice’s instructions recommend trying the freedesktop menu integration first for RPM-based systems. This step can add menu entries and file associations; availability and behaviour may vary by desktop environment.
4. Launch and verify
Start OpenOffice from your desktop menu or run its executable directly:
Rank #4
- THE POWER TO STAY PRODUCTIVE – Looking to make your everyday work and home life more manageable without breaking the bank? The Lenovo V15 Gen 4 offers long-term reliability with top-of-the-line features to make you your most productive self.
- CRUSH YOUR TO-DO LIST – The AMD Ryzen CPU pairs quiet performance and enhanced operating power to crush your high-demand workday. It optimizes performance and allows for seamless multitasking.
- TRUE-TO-LIFE VISUALS – The 15.6” FHD IPS display is anti-glare with 300 nits brightness to see your best outside or in. Its 88% screen-to-body ratio makes viewing detailed applications like spreadsheets a breeze.
- SEAMLESS COLLABORATION – Lenovo Smart Appearance enhances your camera effects to protect your privacy and to make you the focus of every video conference. Intelligent noise cancelation minimizes distraction and Dolby Audio provides an elegantly sonorous experience.
- BUILT TO WITHSTAND – Built for military-grade toughness, the V15 Gen 4 is tested to withstand harsh temperatures, pressure, humidity, vibrations and more. Keep your work safe from the board room to your living room and everywhere in between.
/opt/OpenOffice4/program/sofficeOpenOffice identifies soffice as its executable and gives /opt/OpenOffice4/program/ as its location. If it opens, create a test document in Writer, save it, and reopen it to confirm that basic document creation and saving work on your system.
Check whether LibreOffice is redirecting soffice
If typing soffice starts LibreOffice or does not start the OpenOffice installation you expect, check which executable the shell resolves before changing files:
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Best Value
- Powerful Linux Laptop: This IdeaPad Slim 3 Laptop comes pre-installed with Ubuntu Linux, offering fast performance, robust security, and a clean, user-friendly experience. Enjoy full customization, seamless hardware compatibility, and access to thousands of open-source apps. Whether you're working, creating, or coding, it's built to keep up with everything you do.
- A Multitasking Master: The latest AMD Ryzen 7 5825U processor (up to 4.5 GHz) delivers powerful performance with 8 cores and 16 threads for smooth multitasking. Integrated AMD Radeon Graphics provide crisp visuals for streaming, browsing, photo editing, and casual gaming. With smart machine intelligence, it adapts to your needs for a fast, responsive experience.
- 15.6" Full HD Display: The IdeaPad Slim 3 boasts an 88% screen-to-body ratio for a floating, edge-to-edge visual experience. TÜV Low Blue Light certification reduces eye strain, making it perfect for long work or study sessions.
- Military-Grade Durability: The smart IdeaPad Slim 3 combines portability and durability, letting you work, study, and play on the go. With a profile 10% slimmer than the previous generation, it's lightweight yet military-grade rugged, ready for anything, anywhere.
- Versatile Connectivity: Enjoy the security of a built-in webcam with a privacy shutter. Connect effortlessly with multiple ports: 2x USB A, 1x USB C, 1x HDMI, 1x SD Card Reader, 1x Headphone/Microphone combo. Bundle comes with Stylus Pen, 256GB Portable SSD and 5-in-1 Docking Station.
whereis soffice
readlink -f "$(command -v soffice)"Apache OpenOffice warns that LibreOffice can redirect the usual OpenOffice binary, typically /usr/bin/soffice. Its instructions say that removing this redirect does not uninstall LibreOffice; it only prevents LibreOffice from redirecting the normal OpenOffice binary. Record the link target and decide which suite you want the soffice command to start before removing or changing anything. Do not delete files blindly. You can bypass the command-path conflict by launching /opt/OpenOffice4/program/soffice directly.
Should you use an AUR package instead?
An AUR package such as openoffice-bin is community-maintained packaging, not an official Arch or Apache OpenOffice package. Available search evidence shows an indirect dependency reference to openoffice-bin, but does not establish a current package version, maintainer, or update history. Do not infer current maintenance from the package name alone.
If you find a live AUR listing and are considering it, review the package before building or installing it:
- Read the PKGBUILD and verify what it downloads and installs.
- Check the source URLs and any checksums or signatures.
- Review comments and the last-updated date for signs of unresolved issues or staleness.
- Check whether it conflicts with an existing LibreOffice installation or changes which program the
sofficecommand launches.
The practical trade-off is that the official archive gives you a direct upstream download but leaves you responsible for replacing it when you want to update. An AUR workflow may fit an Arch package-management routine better, but it depends on community packaging that you should review yourself. The official download page and installation instructions describe the archive and RPM procedure, not an Arch-specific pacman package.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesRemove a manual installation
The upstream instructions identify /opt as the default installation destination. For a manual installation, review any OpenOffice files and desktop entries you added, then remove only the files you have confirmed belong to OpenOffice. Do not remove a shared soffice path or desktop integration files without checking their targets and ownership, especially if LibreOffice is installed. The cited installation instructions do not provide a complete Arch-specific uninstall command, so avoid using a broad recursive deletion command based on an assumed directory layout.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
