Re: Suitable-to-task Debian spreadsheet software
On Mon, 28 Jul 2025 10:44:36 -0500
Richard Owlett <rowlett@access.net> wrote:
> I found a USDA published spreadsheet[1] [in xlsx format] containing
> needed data. I saved it to a local directory with no problems.
>
> I copied it to another directory to prevent accidents.
> I opened it - Debian defaulted to LibreOffice Calc.
> I tried to save it [unedited] to file2.xlsx. Got dire warning and
> suggestion to save in ODF format.
It's only talking its book. ODFs are probably more accessible to other
LO applications than any other format. There may be a couple of LO-only
bells and whistles not available in the xls-type format that I'm not
aware of.
>
> Does Debian have a spreadsheet program that can competently
> read/write xlsx format? [never happy with LibreOffice text processing
> $#^$%YU]
>
>
I've never been aware of any issues, but I haven't used xlsx very
often. I normally save to xls if I have to send something to Windows
users. Spreadsheet technology is fairly mature.
If this particular spreadsheet is your main concern, I wouldn't expect
trouble. It looks like just data, no tricksy functions or macros. Lots
of people use spreadsheets as databases. It looks as if the two data
sheets would convert to CSV with no issues.
The only other spreadsheet I've used in Linux is Gnumeric, and that was
a long time ago. I've no idea how much it is used now, and I don't
think I'd treat is as any more trustworthy than LO Calc. I'm not sure
how much it would pull in if you don't already have much Gnome stuff
installed.
--
Joe
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