The most popular open-source productivity suite, LibreOffice, has just been updated to version 4.2 which is the first release of the 4.2 branch of LibreOffice.
This release contains exciting new features including a new flat monochrome icon theme, tight integration with GNOME 3 application menu and Microsoft Office and OOXML filter improvements.
This release also includes a redesigned Start Screen which adds a sidebar with launcher for LibreOffice’s core applications (Writer, Calc, Impress, Draw, Math and Base).
Along with this release, there were major bug fixes and huge improvement to Calc, DOCX and RTF interoperability, support for OpenGL, and a new default template designed for Writer.
For more about it, please check the ReleaseNotes @ https://wiki.documentfoundation.org/ReleaseNotes/4.2#Most_Annoying_Bugs
Installing LibreOffice in Windows and Mac OS X
To install LibreOffice 4.2 in Windows and Mac, go to LibreOffice download page and get the 4.2 version for your systems. If you currently have OpenOffice.org installed, it’s recommended that you uninstall it before installing LibreOffice 4.2.
Download and follow the wizard until you’ve successfully installed LibreOffice.
Installing LibreOffice in Ubuntu
To get LibreOffice 4.2 in Ubuntu 13.10 and below now, you must use the pre-release PPA or download the .deb package manually and install. If you wait a few days or so, the new version might be available in the official LibreOffice PPA.
To add LibreOffice’s pre-release (development) PPA in Ubuntu 13.10 and below, run the commands below.
sudo apt-get purge libreoffice-core
Next, add the PPA using the commands below
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:libreoffice/libreoffice-prereleases
Finally, update your system and install LibreOffice latest version.
sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get install libreoffice
That’s it!
After installing, go to Unity Dash and launch LibreOffice.
Since the pre-release PPA of LibreOffice isn’t something you want to use for regular updates, remove it using the commands below.
sudo add-apt-repository --remove ppa:libreoffice/libreoffice-prereleases
Enabling the new flat monochrome theme (sifr)
To enable and view the new sifr (flat monochrome theme) theme, open LibreOffice and go to Tools –> Options –> View and change the icon size and them to sifr.
If you don’t see it, run the commands below to install it.
sudo apt-get install libreoffice-style-sifr
Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
How to download LibreOffice 4.2 for Windows and Mac OS X?
To download LibreOffice 4.2 for Windows and Mac OS X, visit the LibreOffice download page and select the 4.2 version compatible with your system. Follow the installation wizard to complete the installation.
What are the key features of LibreOffice 4.2?
LibreOffice 4.2 introduces a new flat monochrome icon theme, tight integration with GNOME 3 application menu, Microsoft Office and OOXML filter improvements, redesigned Start Screen, major bug fixes, and enhancements to Calc, DOCX, and RTF interoperability.
How to install LibreOffice 4.2 in Ubuntu?
To install LibreOffice 4.2 in Ubuntu, you can use the pre-release PPA or manually download the .deb package. Alternatively, wait for a few days for the new version to be available in the official LibreOffice PPA.
What are the core applications included in LibreOffice 4.2?
LibreOffice 4.2 includes core applications such as Writer, Calc, Impress, Draw, Math, and Base. The redesigned Start Screen features a sidebar with launchers for these core applications.
How to remove pre-release PPA of LibreOffice in Ubuntu?
To remove the pre-release PPA of LibreOffice in Ubuntu, use the command 'sudo add-apt-repository --remove ppa:libreoffice/libreoffice-prereleases'. This will prevent using the pre-release PPA for regular updates.
What are the major improvements in LibreOffice 4.2 Calc?
LibreOffice 4.2 brings significant improvements to Calc, including enhancements to functions, formulas, and overall performance. The latest version offers better compatibility and functionality for spreadsheet operations.
How does LibreOffice 4.2 enhance support for Microsoft Office and OOXML formats?
LibreOffice 4.2 improves support for Microsoft Office and OOXML formats by enhancing the filter capabilities. Users can now seamlessly work with documents in Microsoft Office formats within LibreOffice.
Where can I find the ReleaseNotes for LibreOffice 4.2?
To access the ReleaseNotes for LibreOffice 4.2, visit https://wiki.documentfoundation.org/ReleaseNotes/4.2#Most_Annoying_Bugs. The ReleaseNotes provide detailed information about the new features, bug fixes, and improvements in this version.
