Ubuntu Mate: The light and customizable distribution for your desktop

Introduction

Ubuntu Mate is an official variant of Ubuntu that uses the MATE desktop environment, a GNOME 2 fork that seeks to offer a classic, light and highly customizable experience. Since its launch, it has gained popularity among users who prefer a traditional interface without renouncing Ubuntu's power and extensive package repository.

Main characteristics

• MATE desktop environment: based on GNOME 2, it consumes few resources and offers a configurable panel, applets and classic themes.
• Total compatibility with Ubuntu repositories: access to thousands of packages through APT, Snap and Flatpak.
• Advanced customization: From the look of the panels to the composition effects, everything can be adjusted by the MATE Control Center.
• Long-term stability and support: LTS versions receive security updates for five years, as does the main edition of Ubuntu.
• Low RAM and CPU consumption: ideal for old hardware, netbooks or virtual machines where performance is sought without sacrificing usability.

Advantages of using Ubuntu Mate

• Family interface for users coming from Windows 7 or previous versions of GNOME.
• Lower load in the system, which translates into faster start times and increased multitask capacity.
• Great community and documentation: being part of the Ubuntu family, it benefits from tutorials, forums and official responses.
• Installation facility: Ubiquete installer is the same as in standard Ubuntu, with partitioning and encryption options.
• Wide variety of topics and extensions available through MATE Tweek and MATE website.

Possible disadvantages

• Some modern visual effects (such as GNOME Shell animations) are absent, which may seem less »modern» for users looking for the latest trend.
• Integration with certain emerging desktop technologies (such as Wayland) is still experimental in MATE, although it is moving rapidly.
• In very new equipment with state-of-the-art hardware, the difference in performance from other environments can be minimal, making the choice more a matter of aesthetic preference.

How to install Ubuntu Mate

1. Download the ISO image from the official pageubuntu-mate.org / download(choose the LTS version if you want long-term support).
2. Record ISO on a USB using tools such as Rufus (Windows), Etched (multiplatform) or commandddin Linux.
3. Start from the USB and follow the installation wizard: select language, keyboard layout, type of installation (normal or minimum) and partitioning.
4. During installation, you can mark the option of installing third-party updates and proprietary software to improve hardware compatibility.
5. At the end, restart the system, remove the installation medium and enjoy your MATE desktop ready to customize.

Initial customization tips

• Open the MATE Control Center and explore the Appearance, Behavior and Extensors sections to adjust panels, themes and effects.
• Install the packagemate-tweakto easily change between predefined designs (Classic, Netbook, Mutiny, etc.).
• Add useful applets such as the system monitor, music player or custom application menu.
• Consider installingubuntu-restricted-extrasto obtain multimedia codecs and proprietary sources.
• If you want a more modern look, try topics like Yaru-Mate or those available on the MATE Look website.

Predetermined applications and software included

Ubuntu Mate comes with a carefully selected set of applications that meet daily needs without overloading the system. The desktop includes the box file manager, the Mate Terminal terminal, the Pluma text editor and the Atril document viewer. To browse the web Firefox is included, while the LibreOffice office office office is present in standard installation, offering text processor, spreadsheet and presentations.

• Box: Nautilus-based file manager, with eyelash support and dual views.
• Mate Terminal: light terminal emulator with support for customizable profiles and colors.
• Plum: simple but powerful text editor, with syntax highlighted and advanced search.
• Atril: document viewer that supports PDF, PostScript and comic formats.
• Firefox: secure and regularly updated web browser using Ubuntu repositories.
• LibreOffice: Microsoft Office-compatible office suite, including Writer, Calc and Print.
• Rhythmbox: music player that allows to manage libraries and synchronize with external devices.

In addition, users can easily install other applications through the Ubuntu Software Center or through APT, Snap or Flatpak commands, maintaining the characteristic flexibility of the distribution.

Conclusion

Ubuntu Mate represents an excellent choice for those who seek the strength and ecosystem of Ubuntu along with a light, classic and highly customizable desktop environment. Its low resource consumption makes it ideal for older hardware, while its compatibility with Ubuntu repositories guarantees access to a vast software library. Whether you are a new user who prefers a traditional interface or a system manager who needs stability and performance, Ubuntu Mate deserves to be considered as your next Linux distribution.