Ubuntu MATE
Ubuntu MATE is a free and open-source Linux distribution, renowned for its utilization of the MATE desktop environment. It is an official derivative of Ubuntu, which itself is based on Debian and composed primarily of free and open-source software. Ubuntu MATE is specifically designed for personal computers and provides a classic desktop experience that is both traditional and modern.
History and Development
The Ubuntu MATE project was founded by Martin Wimpress and Alan Pope. It began as an unofficial derivative of Ubuntu with its first release based on Ubuntu 14.10. Following a series of successful releases, Ubuntu MATE achieved the status of an official Ubuntu flavor in February 2015, commencing with the release of version 15.04 Beta 1.
Features
Ubuntu MATE is praised for its user-friendly environment and efficiency in utilizing system resources, making it ideal for both new users and those with older hardware. Its features include:
- The MATE desktop, which is a continuation of GNOME 2, offers a familiar and intuitive interface.
- Low resource consumption, ensuring smooth operation on hardware with limited capabilities.
- A software repository that includes a wide range of applications for productivity, multimedia, and system management.
- Community-driven development, which ensures continuous improvement and updates.
Partnerships and Distribution
In April 2015, Ubuntu MATE partnered with British computer reseller Entroware. This partnership allows customers to purchase laptops and desktops pre-installed with Ubuntu MATE, complete with full support, thereby broadening its accessibility and adoption.
Comparisons to Other Distributions
As part of the Ubuntu family, Ubuntu MATE shares much of its software infrastructure and security framework with others such as Ubuntu Unity, Ubuntu Budgie, and Linux Mint. While Ubuntu MATE focuses on providing a traditional desktop experience, distributions like Ubuntu Unity emphasize a unified user interface and Linux Mint is known for its emphasis on ease of use.
Community and Support
The Ubuntu MATE community is active and vibrant, involving users in decision-making and development processes. This fosters an environment of collaborative innovation. Support is available through forums, mailing lists, and documentation, which are maintained by both the development team and the community.