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MATE Desktop Environment

The MATE Desktop Environment is a desktop environment composed of free and open-source software, primarily designed for use on Linux and other Unix-like operating systems. Pronounced as "MAH-tay," it is named after the yerba mate, a species of holly native to subtropical South America that is used to prepare a beverage known as mate. The MATE project is a continuation of the GNOME 2 desktop environment, which was a popular interface before the release of GNOME 3.

Key Features

The MATE Desktop Environment is celebrated for its traditional desktop metaphor, making it particularly appealing to users who prefer a classic desktop experience. Some of the key features of MATE include:

  • User-Friendly Interface: Designed to be intuitive and attractive, it employs traditional desktop metaphors, making it easy for users who are familiar with conventional desktop environments.
  • Active Development: MATE's development community is committed to integrating support for new technologies while maintaining a familiar user experience.
  • Customization: Users can extensively customize the desktop environment to suit their preferences, thanks to its flexible configuration options.

Core Applications

MATE includes a suite of core applications that enhance its usability:

  • Pluma: A text editor that serves as the default for the MATE environment, derived from an earlier version of gedit.
  • MATE Terminal: A versatile terminal emulator that supports multiple profiles and tabs, allowing users to access a UNIX shell and run applications on VT102, VT220, and xterm terminals.
  • Engrampa: An archive manager that allows users to create, modify, and extract files from various archive formats.

MATE in Linux Distributions

MATE has been integrated into numerous Linux distributions, offering users a choice of desktop environments. Notable distributions that support MATE include:

  • Ubuntu MATE: A community-driven derivative of the Ubuntu operating system, using MATE as its default desktop environment.
  • Linux Mint: Offers MATE as one of its official flavors, alongside other desktop environments like Cinnamon and XFCE.

Related Desktop Environments

MATE shares similarities with several other desktop environments. Each of these provides unique features while maintaining the essence of a traditional desktop metaphor:

  • GNOME: Although GNOME 3 introduced significant changes, GNOME 2 forms the foundation upon which MATE was built.
  • Cinnamon: Developed by Linux Mint developers, Cinnamon is another derivative of GNOME 2, similar to MATE.
  • Budgie: An independent desktop environment that implements the desktop metaphor with modern design elements.
  • UKUI: A fork of MATE that focuses on providing a lightweight experience using the Qt framework.

Through its classic interface and extensive customization options, the MATE Desktop Environment stands as a robust choice for users seeking a traditional yet modern desktop experience.