Comparisons to Other Distributions

Ubuntu MATE

Ubuntu MATE is a Linux distribution that stands out primarily due to its use of the MATE desktop environment. This desktop environment is lauded for its lightweight resource consumption, making it an ideal choice for users with older or less powerful hardware. As an official derivative of Ubuntu, Ubuntu MATE offers the user-friendly experience and broad community support typical of Ubuntu, while catering to those who prefer a classic desktop experience.

Ubuntu and Its Flavors

Ubuntu MATE is part of the broader Ubuntu family, which includes other variants such as Ubuntu Unity, Ubuntu Budgie, Kubuntu, and Lubuntu. Each of these distributions is tailored to different user preferences in terms of desktop environments and design philosophies. For instance, Ubuntu Unity features the Unity interface, while Ubuntu Budgie employs the Budgie desktop environment.

Linux Mint and Debian

Linux Mint is another noteworthy distribution based on Ubuntu, though it also offers a version based on Debian. Linux Mint is renowned for its out-of-the-box multimedia support and user-friendly interface, making it popular among newcomers to Linux. While Ubuntu MATE focuses on the MATE desktop environment for a traditional desktop experience, Linux Mint provides its own Cinnamon desktop environment as a flagship option, alongside MATE and Xfce versions.

Lightweight Distributions

In the realm of lightweight distributions, Ubuntu MATE finds itself compared to distributions like MX Linux and Xubuntu. These distributions also target users who need a fast and efficient system that runs well on older hardware. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference in terms of the user interface and specific tools included by default.

Fedora, openSUSE, and Arch-based Distributions

While Ubuntu MATE is based on Ubuntu and, by extension, Debian, other Linux distributions like Fedora Linux and openSUSE are based on different parent distributions. Fedora is known for its cutting-edge features, developing advancements that often make their way upstream into Red Hat Enterprise Linux. openSUSE offers both stable and rolling release models through openSUSE Leap and openSUSE Tumbleweed, respectively.

Arch Linux and its derivatives, such as Garuda Linux, cater to advanced users who want full control over their system. Arch-based distributions provide a high degree of customization and are often considered more challenging to set up than Ubuntu MATE.

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.