MATE

MATE is an open-source desktop environment that’s a spin-off from the GNOME 2 window manager. It’s perfect for Linux OS developers who want to build lightweight distributions that can run smoothly on low-end computers.

What Makes MATE Special?

Just like its cousin, the GNOME desktop, MATE is made up of several independent packages. This means you can install the base version and then add as many packages as you want to customize your experience.

Cool Features Inside MATE

If we take a look inside this desktop environment, we’ll spot some neat tools. For instance, there's the Caja file manager, which comes from Nautilus, and Pluma text editor, which is based on Gedit. Plus, you have Eye of MATE for viewing images and Atril for looking at documents—both are forks from their GNOME counterparts.

More Tools at Your Fingertips

The Engrampa compression utility helps with file zipping; it’s a fork of File Roller. The terminal emulator is called MATE Terminal, based on GNOME Terminal. And let’s not forget about Marco, the window manager that comes from Metacity!

A Complete Package

MATE isn’t just about these individual apps; it also includes a screensaver, the main MATE desktop library, a control center to manage settings easily, and various applets that enhance its basic functions. Right now, it works with the GTK+ 2 toolkit but will soon support GTK+ 3 in future updates!

Competing with the Best

In just two years since its launch, MATE has matured enough to stand tall alongside other popular desktop environments like Xfce and LXDE.

MATE on Different Linux Systems

MATE officially runs on several Linux distributions such as Linux Mint, Fedora, Mageia, openSUSE, PCLinuxOS, Point Linux, Sabayon and Salix. And unofficially? You can find it on Arch Linux, Debian, Gentoo and more!

Nostalgia for Classic UI?

If you're feeling nostalgic about the classic look of GNOME's interface and want to relive those days while using modern tech—give MATE a try today!