ok,I just use the ubuntu 16.04 64,when I want to read a xlsx file,I find I should install RODBC or xlsx. This page will tell us how to install the xlsx package in R on ubuntu. first,we should install java. sudo apt-get install default-jdk then,we shold use the line to observe the R and Java: sudo R CMD javareconf but,I think,the first time,there is something wrong. then,we should install java once a time, sudo apt-get install default-jdk sudo R CMD javareconf ok,if there is no error,you should restart your ubuntu,and then you can install xlsx in R. use the line: install.packages('xlsx',dependencies=T) I think the next question is how can type chinese on ubuntu