Tips to Install Microsoft fonts in your Linux Office Suites

Today Linux is the preferred operating system for most of the IT companies which is why all the hiring managers are always willing to hire candidates with Linux administration training. However, a sudden switch from Microsoft to Linux might be a problem for new developers since they are so comfortable and familiar with the Microsoft software and fonts. Just like Linux allows you to use software of other platforms it also allows using Microsoft fonts in Linux Office Suites.

The process is pretty simple and one of the most basic things taught in the Linux administration training or RHCE training. Here are some basic tips on installing Microsoft fonts in Linux Office suites.

Installing “True Type Core Fonts” of Microsoft

Released in 1996, the “True Type Core Fonts” had a very lenient licence agreement allowing anyone and everyone to install them probably because Microsoft wanted their font to be the standard font.

This package- containing Arial, Arial Black, Comic Sans MS, Courier New, Georgia, Impact, Times New Roman, Trebuchet, Verdana, and Webdings- can very easily be installed on your Ubuntu desktop.

Installing “ClearType Fonts” on Microsoft

Added to Window Vista and Office in 2007, the” ClearType Fonts” includes Constantia, Corbel, Calibri, Cambria, Candara and Consolas. However, unlike the True Type Core Fonts, these did not have a very permissive licence agreement.

Yet they can be installed in your Linux office suite and the fastest as well as the simplest way to do so is to use a few terminal commands. This process is much easier than clicking on a large number of windows and going through several steps because all you have to do is copy paste a few commands as you will be taught in your Linux administration training as well.

Installing Tahoma, Segoe UI, and other fonts of Microsoft

Since ‘Times New Roman’ and ‘Calibri’ are the two standard fonts for web services, you will not really need anything more than that. Yet in case you desire to use this group of fonts, which are neither included neither in the “True Type Core Fonts” nor in the “ClearType Fonts” for any overriding purpose, then you can install them in the same process as you installed the other two groups.

Moreover, if you have a Windows system then you can use dual booting where you reboot your desktop, boot into Windows and get your desired font.

If you’re a Linux user and want the best possible Microsoft Office compatibility, it is time to install Microsoft’s fonts in order to go to the next level.