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Ubuntu MATE
Ubuntu MATE
Ubuntu MATE
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Ubuntu MATE
The Ubuntu MATE logo
Ubuntu MATE 25.04 "Plucky Pluffin"
DeveloperUbuntu MATE team
OS familyLinux (Unix-like)
Working stateCurrent
Source modelOpen source
Initial release23 October 2014; 11 years ago (2014-10-23)
Latest release25.10 "Questing Quokka" / 7 October 2025; 4 months ago (2025-10-07) [1]
Available inMultilingual
Update methodAPT (Software Updater, Ubuntu Software Center)
Package managerdpkg
Supported platformsx86-64, PowerPC, ARM
Kernel typeMonolithic
UserlandGNU
Default
user interface		MATE
LicenseFree software licenses
(mainly GPL)
Official websiteubuntu-mate.org

Ubuntu MATE is a free and open-source Linux distribution and an official derivative of Ubuntu. Its main differentiation from Ubuntu is that it uses the MATE desktop environment as its default user interface (based on GNOME 2), instead of the GNOME desktop environment that is the default user interface for Ubuntu.[2][3]

History

[edit]

The Ubuntu MATE project was founded by Martin Wimpress and Alan Pope[4] and began as an unofficial derivative of Ubuntu, using an Ubuntu 14.10 base for its first release;[5] a 14.04 LTS release followed shortly.[6] As of February 2015, Ubuntu MATE gained the official Ubuntu flavour status from Canonical as per the release of 15.04 Beta 1.[7][8] In addition to x86-64, Ubuntu MATE also supports PowerPC and ARMv7 (on the Raspberry Pi 2 and 3[9] as well as the ODROID XU4[10]).

In April 2015, Ubuntu MATE announced a partnership with British computer reseller Entroware, enabling Entroware customers to purchase laptop and desktop computers with Ubuntu MATE preinstalled with full support.[11] Several other hardware deals were announced later.

In Ubuntu MATE 18.10, 32-bit support was dropped.[12]

Releases

[edit]
Current release Release no longer supported Release still supported Future release
Version Codename Release date Supported until Remarks
14.04 LTS Trusty Tahr 2014-11-11 April 2019 Released after the 14.10 release in order to provide long-term support until 2019, following Ubuntu.[6]
14.10[13] Utopic Unicorn 2014-10-23 July 2015 First release of Ubuntu MATE.[5]
15.04 Vivid Vervet 2015-04-23[14] January 2016 First release as an official Ubuntu flavour.[2]
15.10[15] Wily Werewolf 2015-10-22[16] July 2016 Features MATE 1.10, Ubuntu Software Center not installed by default.[17]
16.04 LTS Xenial Xerus 2016-04-21 April 2019[18] First official LTS release; features MATE 1.12.x DE, expanded Welcome application and Software Boutique; has ZFS built-in by default.[19][20]
16.10 Yakkety Yak 2016-10-13[21] July 2017 Full GTK3+ implementation of the MATE Desktop. Most default applications are "Recommended" and can thus be uninstalled without issue.[22]
17.04 Zesty Zapus 2017-04-13 January 2018 Concluded the migration to GTK3+.[23]
17.10[24] Artful Aardvark 2017-10-19 July 2018 17.10.1, was released on 12 January 2018. It fixed a problem that corrupted the UEFI & BIOS firmware.[25]
18.04 LTS[26][27][28][29] Bionic Beaver 2018-04-26 April 2021 It includes support for GPD Pocket & Pocket 2, Raspberry Pi B2/B3/B3+.[30][31][32]
18.10[33][34][35] Cosmic Cuttlefish 2018-10-18 July 2019 First non-LTS 64-bit-only release, end of 32-bit support. Features MATE 1.20.[36][37][38]
19.04 Disco Dingo 2019-04-18 January 2020 Features MATE 1.20 and Nvidia drivers.[39]
19.10 Eoan Ermine 2019-10-17 July 2020 Non-LTS 64-bit-only release. Features MATE 1.22.2 and replaces VLC media player with GNOME mpv as default media player software.[40]
20.04 LTS Focal Fossa 2020-04-23 April 2023[41] Features MATE 1.24.[42]
20.10 Groovy Gorilla 2020-10-22 July 2021 Features MATE 1.24.1.[43]
21.04 Hirsute Hippo 2021-04-22 January 2022 64-bit-only. Features MATE 1.24.2.[44]
21.10 Impish Indri 2021-10-14 July 2022 Features MATE 1.26.[45]
22.04 LTS Jammy Jellyfish 2022-04-21 April 2027 Features MATE 1.26.1.[46]
22.10 Kinetic Kudu 2022-10-20 July 2023 PipeWire replaces PulseAudio, and MATE 1.26.1 includes some backported features from the unreleased 1.28 version
23.04[47][48] Lunar Lobster 2023-04-20 January 2024
23.10[49] Mantic Minotaur 2023-10-12 July 2024
24.04 LTS Noble Numbat 2024-04-25 May 2029 Current LTS release.
24.10 Oracular Oriole 2024-10-10 July 2025 Current interim release

Reception

[edit]

In a May 2016 review Jesse Smith of DistroWatch concluded, "despite my initial problems getting Ubuntu MATE installed and running smoothly, I came away with a positive view of the distribution. The project is providing a very friendly desktop experience that requires few hardware resources by modern standards. I also want to tip my hat to the default theme used on Ubuntu MATE."[50]

Dedoimedo reviewed Ubuntu MATE in July 2018, and wrote that "[Ubuntu MATE offers] a wealth of visual and functional changes…You really have the ability to implement anything and everything, and all of it natively, from within the system's interface".[51]

Starting with the 22.04 LTS release, Ubuntu MATE included AI-generated wallpapers. These were warmly received by popular tech blogs, with OMG! Ubuntu exclaiming "I'm blown away by the quality of this AI-produced artwork"[52] for the 22.04 release, and IT's FOSS News proclaiming the "beautiful" wallpapers were "a big highlight" of the 22.10 release".[53]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Ubuntu MATE

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Ubuntu MATE is a community-developed Linux distribution and official flavor of Ubuntu that integrates the MATE desktop environment, offering a stable, lightweight, and traditional desktop experience reminiscent of the classic GNOME 2 interface. It combines Ubuntu's robust base system with MATE's customizable and performant components, making it suitable for a wide range of hardware, from modern workstations and single-board computers like the Raspberry Pi to older machines, while emphasizing accessibility, functionality, and ease of use. Released initially in October 2014 as version 14.10 (Utopic Unicorn), Ubuntu MATE quickly gained adoption and became an official Ubuntu flavor with the 15.04 (Vivid Vervet) release in April 2015. The project originated from the efforts of developers Martin Wimpress and Alan Pope, who sought to revive the familiar GNOME 2 desktop metaphor after its discontinuation in favor of GNOME 3, forking it into the MATE desktop environment. Since its inception, Ubuntu MATE has benefited from open-source contributions by thousands of developers worldwide, including support from companies like Canonical, Intel, and Microsoft, ensuring ongoing improvements that also feed back into the broader Debian and Ubuntu ecosystems. Key milestones include the first Long-Term Support (LTS) version in 16.04 (Xenial Xerus) in 2016, the introduction of the Software Boutique for application management in 15.10 (Wily Werewolf), and the discontinuation of 32-bit (i386) support in 18.10 (Cosmic Cuttlefish) to focus on modern architectures. Ubuntu MATE stands out for its emphasis on customization and , featuring tools like Mozo for editing, Caja as the , and Marco as the , all built on a lightweight foundation that supports efficient and broad hardware compatibility. It includes pre-installed applications such as for productivity, Firefox for web browsing, and Déjà Dup for backups, while leveraging Ubuntu's package management with apt and snapd for software installation. The distribution also excels in gaming compatibility through integration and open-source titles, as well as remote desktop solutions like LTSP and , positioning it as a versatile choice for both personal and professional use. As of 2025, the latest release is Ubuntu MATE 25.10 (Questing ), continuing its biannual cycle with LTS versions providing up to three years of support.

Introduction

Overview

Ubuntu MATE is an official flavor of the Ubuntu Linux distribution, built on the Ubuntu base operating system and featuring the MATE desktop environment to deliver a stable and intuitive computing experience. Developed by a community of contributors, it aims to make Linux accessible to users worldwide, regardless of language or physical ability, while serving as an alternative to more resource-intensive desktop environments. The MATE desktop environment, which forms the core of Ubuntu MATE, originated as a fork of GNOME 2 to preserve a traditional desktop metaphor with panels, menus, and applets that many users find familiar and efficient. This design choice targets beginners new to Linux, individuals preferring lightweight interfaces, and owners of older hardware who seek reliable performance without the demands of modern, feature-heavy desktops like GNOME. At its heart, Ubuntu MATE embodies a philosophy of , customizability, and , leveraging 's renowned ease-of-use and vast software to empower home users, developers, and organizations alike. Launched in 2014 and becoming an official Ubuntu flavor in , it continues to evolve through active as of 2025, with the latest release being 25.10 (Questing ) in October 2025, focusing on functionality and open-source principles.

Key features

Ubuntu MATE is designed with a footprint, making it suitable for a wide range of hardware, including systems with modest resources such as a Core 2 Duo processor, 2 GB of RAM, and 10 GB of storage, and it performs well on computers from the mid-2000s onward. This low resource usage stems from the MATE desktop environment's efficient architecture, which avoids the heavier demands of more modern interfaces while providing a full-featured experience. A standout feature is its high degree of customizability, enabled through the MATE Tweak tool, which allows users to adjust panels, applets, themes, and layouts to mimic classic 2 configurations or create personalized setups. For instance, users can select from predefined templates like traditional top-and-bottom panels or a macOS-inspired , and further modify elements such as widget placement and visual styles directly within the tool. The distribution comes pre-installed with essential MATE-native applications tailored for everyday tasks, including Pluma as the default for editing documents, Atril for viewing PDF and other document formats, and Caja as the for organizing and navigating files with customizable views and extensions. Additionally, it includes the App Center for easy access to a vast repository of applications. Upon first boot, users encounter the Ubuntu MATE Welcome screen, an interactive guide that assists with initial setup by offering options to select desktop layouts, install additional drivers, configure support, and view system information. This feature streamlines onboarding for new users, providing quick access to customization choices and helpful resources without requiring manual navigation. Ubuntu MATE supports multiple processor architectures, including x86_64 for standard desktop and systems built around 2005 and later, as well as variants such as armhf (32-bit ARMv7) and arm64 (64-bit ARMv8) for devices like the series. Dedicated images for models 2 and newer ensure compatibility with single-board computers, optimizing performance on resource-constrained hardware. As an official flavor, Ubuntu MATE integrates seamlessly with the standard Ubuntu repositories, leveraging the APT package manager for updates, security patches, and access to over 60,000 software packages, alongside optional Snap support for containerized applications. This shared ecosystem ensures consistent compatibility with Ubuntu's kernel and core components, allowing users to receive timely updates without additional configuration.

History

Origins and early development

Ubuntu MATE originated from the broader evolution of the MATE desktop environment, which was forked from GNOME 2 in 2011 to preserve its traditional desktop metaphors amid the shift to GNOME 3. Martin Wimpress, an Arch Linux Trusted User, started contributing to the upstream MATE project around 2012, initially packaging it for Arch Linux and developing patches to enhance compatibility with Ubuntu. These efforts were driven by Wimpress's need to create a stable desktop for his family, particularly his non-technical wife, who struggled with the changes in newer desktop environments like GNOME 3 and Ubuntu's Unity. By 2013, Wimpress had discussed the challenges of integrating MATE into Ubuntu on the Ubuntu Podcast, highlighting its broken state in Ubuntu repositories at the time. The project took shape in the summer of 2014 when Wimpress collaborated with Alan Pope, a developer and fellow Podcast host, to build the first MATE prototype. Working informally in Pope's kitchen, the duo created an initial remix based on 14.04, replacing Unity with a pure MATE experience to address the lack of traditional desktop options following 's pivot to 3-influenced interfaces. This hands-on development emphasized accessibility for everyday users, reflecting Wimpress's personal motivation to make more approachable for his family without requiring constant technical intervention. The inaugural release, Ubuntu MATE 14.10 (codenamed Utopic Unicorn), arrived in October 2014 as an unofficial community remix, not backed by . It featured a complete MATE desktop implementation on Ubuntu's stable base, with contributions from a small team including Stefano Karapetsas and Sam Hewitt, focusing on bug fixes and usability enhancements. Early adoption was confined to the enthusiast community, with downloads available via the project website but no pre-installed options on hardware from manufacturers.

Official status and milestones

Ubuntu MATE achieved official flavor status within the Ubuntu ecosystem with the release of version 15.04 (Vivid Vervet) on April 23, 2015, allowing it to be included among Ubuntu's community-supported variants alongside distributions like and . In 2016, project leader Martin Wimpress joined Canonical's Desktop Team in September, enhancing coordination between Ubuntu MATE and the broader Ubuntu development efforts, particularly in preparation for the 16.10 release. Earlier that year, in April 2015, Ubuntu MATE formed a hardware partnership with UK-based Entroware, which began offering laptops and desktops pre-installed with Ubuntu MATE 15.04, providing users with supported, out-of-the-box systems. Key milestones include the introduction of Software Boutique in Ubuntu MATE 15.10 (Wily Werewolf), released on October 22, 2015, which offered a curated, user-friendly interface for discovering and installing applications, replacing the default to better suit the distribution's lightweight philosophy. The project reached another significant point with its first (LTS) release, Ubuntu MATE 16.04 (Xenial Xerus), on April 21, 2016, providing three years of standard support and emphasizing long-term stability for users. Architectural decisions marked further evolution: support for PowerPC hardware ended with Ubuntu MATE 16.10 (Yakkety Yak) on October 13, 2016, reflecting the diminishing relevance of the platform since Apple's shift to processors in 2006, though 16.04 LTS remained viable for PowerPC users until 2021. In 2018, Ubuntu MATE 18.10 (Cosmic Cuttlefish), released on October 18, discontinued 32-bit () installation images to streamline development for modern hardware, while continuing to provide 32-bit packages in repositories for compatibility. The 25.04 (Plucky Puffin) release on April 17, 2025, celebrated Ubuntu MATE's 10th anniversary as an official flavor, underscoring a of community-driven growth and the distribution's enduring appeal for users seeking a traditional desktop experience. Ubuntu MATE's ongoing roadmap prioritizes system stability, timely integration of MATE desktop updates, and enhancements to core components, with active involvement through dedicated forums where users contribute feedback, report issues, and collaborate on improvements.

Desktop Environment

MATE in Ubuntu MATE

MATE is a forked from 2 in 2011 by Argentine developer Stefano Karapetsas, known as Perberos, to maintain the traditional desktop metaphor following the controversial redesign of toward a more gesture-based interface. This fork originated on and quickly gained traction among users preferring the stability and simplicity of GNOME 2's layout, including applets, panels, and a centralized menu system. The core components of MATE include Marco as the default , which is a of 2's and uses the toolkit for rendering window frames, themes, and decorations to ensure seamless integration with GTK-based applications. Compiz serves as an optional compositing manager for enhanced window effects and 3D transitions, replaceable via configuration without altering the base environment. underpins the overall theming and widget rendering, supporting both GTK 2 and GTK 3 compatibility for broader application support. In Ubuntu MATE, integration began with MATE 1.8 in the inaugural 14.10 release in 2014, providing a stable foundation aligned with Ubuntu's repositories. Version progression has followed upstream releases, with MATE 1.26.2 used since Ubuntu MATE 22.10 and continuing through 25.10 (as of November 2025), including improvements in Wayland compatibility, HiDPI support, and bug fixes while maintaining . Plans for incorporating MATE 1.28, released upstream in February 2024 with further enhancements to Wayland session handling and library modernizations, are slated for future Ubuntu cycles such as 26.04. Ubuntu MATE leverages MATE's , with typical idle RAM usage under 500 MB on standard hardware, enabling efficient on systems with limited resources. The facilitates selective extensions, such as applets or plugins, without compromising the core environment's minimal footprint or introducing unnecessary dependencies. In contrast to modern , which emphasizes a 3D shell and overview-centric navigation, MATE preserves a 2D interface with customizable panels, traditional application menus, and keyboard-driven workflows for enhanced user familiarity and .

Customizations and integrations

Ubuntu MATE includes MATE Tweak, a graphical tool that allows users to customize the desktop layout by switching between predefined configurations such as traditional, macOS-like, or Unity-inspired setups, and to enable or disable visual effects like . This tool also facilitates panel management, theme selection, and window behavior adjustments, providing a centralized interface for tailoring the MATE desktop to individual preferences. A common issue reported by users is the appearance of duplicate network icons in the panel, often due to panel configuration errors following updates or logouts. To semi-permanently resolve this, users can access MATE Tweak via System > Preferences > Look and Feel > MATE Tweak > Panels tab, switch to a different panel layout (e.g., from "Familiar" to "Traditional"), apply the change, and then switch back to the preferred layout; this process resets the panel configuration and often prevents recurrence. This method is recommended by the Ubuntu MATE community as an effective workaround for such panel-related problems. The distribution supports pluggable components through Ayatana Indicators, which enable Unity-style application indicators for enhanced panel functionality, including sound, power, and session management with improved accessibility. These indicators replace traditional notification area applets and are integrated by default across all layouts, offering better compatibility with legacy Ubuntu applications. The Ubuntu MATE Welcome application, introduced in version 16.04, served as an onboarding tool for new users, featuring system information reports, backup recommendations, and hardware diagnostics to facilitate initial setup and troubleshooting. It included the Software Boutique for discovering and installing applications, but was retired starting with version 24.04, with its functionalities partially migrated to the App Center for software management. Theming options in Ubuntu MATE are pre-configured with Yaru themes supporting and variants, alongside high-contrast themes to improve for users with visual impairments. is further enhanced by , the GNOME , which provides output support via integration with BrlTTY for refreshable displays. Hardware integrations are optimized for single-board computers, with dedicated ARM-based images available for models up to the , ensuring efficient performance on resource-constrained devices like the . The 5 can be supported using generic Ubuntu images with manual MATE installation. pairing and printer setup are streamlined through dedicated wizards in the MATE settings, leveraging BlueZ for wireless devices and CUPS for printing configuration. The default software stack relies on the APT package manager for core system and application installations, complemented by built-in support for Flatpak and Snap formats to access modern, sandboxed applications via the App Center.

Releases

Release cycle

Ubuntu MATE adheres to the biannual release schedule established by Ubuntu, featuring interim releases approximately every six months in April and October, while Long Term Support (LTS) versions are issued every two years in April. This alignment ensures that Ubuntu MATE benefits from the same foundational updates, kernel advancements, and package repositories as the main Ubuntu distribution, with the MATE desktop environment integrated as a community-maintained flavor. Interim releases of Ubuntu MATE receive security updates and for nine months following their launch, providing users with access to the latest features and software stacks for short-term testing or development. In contrast, LTS editions offer extended support: five years of standard security for core packages, followed by an additional five years of Extended Security Maintenance (ESM) available through Ubuntu Pro for broader repository coverage, totaling up to ten years. For instance, Ubuntu MATE 24.04 LTS receives standard support until April 2029 and ESM until April 2034. Version numbering for Ubuntu MATE follows the Ubuntu convention of year.month format (e.g., 25.10), paired with an alphabetical animal-themed codename such as "Questing " for the 25.10 release, often branded with MATE-specific artwork and themes in announcements. Updates within a release cycle include point releases, such as progressing from 24.04 to 24.04.1 through 24.04.3, which deliver cumulative bug fixes, security patches, and minor improvements without altering the version's core features. Additionally, backports introduce select desktop enhancements and newer MATE components to stable branches, maintaining compatibility while extending usability. As of November 2025, Ubuntu MATE 25.10 was released on October 9, 2025, and is supported until July 2026, marking the latest interim edition with recent kernel and application updates. The subsequent LTS release, Ubuntu MATE 26.04, is scheduled for April 2026. Prior to final releases, development progresses through alpha and beta stages, where community-provided ISO images allow testing of upcoming features, hardware compatibility, and MATE-specific customizations via daily builds and snapshots.

List of versions

Ubuntu MATE releases adhere to Ubuntu's standard release cadence, with long-term support (LTS) versions providing five years of standard security maintenance and optional extended security maintenance (ESM) for up to ten years via Ubuntu Pro, while interim releases receive nine months of support. The following table lists major releases, including codenames, release dates, key highlights, and support details.
VersionRelease DateCodenameKey HighlightsLTSStandard Support EndESM End
14.10October 2014Utopic UnicornInitial non-LTS release introducing the basic MATE desktop setup.NoN/AN/A
15.04April 2015Vivid VervetFirst official Ubuntu flavor status, with added community translation support.NoN/AN/A
15.10October 2015Wily WerewolfIntroduction of the Software Boutique for application management.NoN/AN/A
16.04 LTSApril 2016Xenial XerusDebut LTS release featuring PowerPC architecture support.YesApril 2021April 2026
18.04 LTSApril 2018Bionic BeaverInclusion of hardware enablement stack (HWE) for improved newer hardware compatibility.YesApril 2023April 2028
18.10October 2018Cosmic CuttlefishDiscontinuation of 32-bit (i386) support.NoN/AN/A
20.04 LTSApril 2020Focal FossaEnhanced Welcome application with additional customization options.YesApril 2025April 2030
22.04 LTSApril 2022Jammy JellyfishDebut of MATE desktop environment version 1.26.YesApril 2027April 2032
24.04 LTSApril 2024Noble NumbatOfficial Raspberry Pi images with optimizations for single-board computing.YesApril 2029April 2034
24.10October 2024Oracular OrioleInterim release incorporating UI refinements from upstream Ubuntu improvements.NoJuly 2025N/A
25.04April 2025Plucky PuffinMarks the 10th anniversary as an official Ubuntu flavor, emphasizing stability enhancements.NoJanuary 2026N/A
25.10October 2025Questing QuokkaLatest interim release as of November 2025, featuring updated Linux kernel 6.17 for enhanced new hardware support.NoJuly 2026N/A

Installation and Usage

Installation options

Ubuntu MATE installation images for desktop use are available for download from the official website at ubuntu-mate.org, offering 64-bit ISO files suitable for personal computers. Specialized variants exist for server setups, though primarily achieved by installing a minimal Ubuntu base and adding the MATE desktop environment, and for Raspberry Pi devices with ARM-optimized images in both 32-bit and 64-bit architectures. These downloads support testing via live sessions without committing to a full installation. To prepare installation media, users can create bootable USB drives or DVDs from the downloaded ISOs using platform-specific tools such as on Windows, balenaEtcher for cross-platform compatibility, or the command on systems. A minimum 4 GB USB drive is recommended for this process, ensuring the media boots correctly on target hardware. The primary installation method employs the graphical Ubiquity installer, accessible after booting from the prepared media into a live session for previewing the environment. During setup, options include a full disk erase and install, dual-booting alongside Windows via the GRUB bootloader for seamless OS selection, or manual partitioning to configure layouts such as LVM for volume management and full-disk encryption with LUKS for data security. Selecting "Download updates while installing" and enabling third-party software integration during the process ensures immediate access to the latest packages and drivers. Alternative installation approaches include netbooting via PXE for network-based deployment on multiple devices, utilizing lightweight netboot images from cdimage.ubuntu.com that allow customization to include the MATE desktop. Wubi, a legacy Windows-based installer for integrating within a Windows partition, has been deprecated and removed from official ISOs since version 14.10, though forks exist for older systems. Cloud images tailored for virtual machines are available from cloud-images.ubuntu.com, enabling VM setups where the MATE desktop can be added post-deployment using apt. Following installation, users should update the system by running sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade in the terminal to apply security patches and software enhancements. If encryption was not configured during setup, tools like from the repositories provide post-install options for securing specific volumes or files. For installations, dedicated 32-bit and 64-bit images optimized for architecture are downloaded separately, and the Imager tool is used to write them to microSD cards, simplifying preparation and supporting models like the Pi 4 and Pi 400. This method ensures efficient booting and performance on single-board computers without additional media tools.

Hardware requirements

Ubuntu MATE is designed with modest hardware requirements to ensure compatibility with a broad spectrum of devices, from modern workstations to legacy systems and single-board computers. The distribution supports both x86_64 (amd64) and architectures, allowing installation on traditional PCs, laptops, and devices like the . The minimum hardware specifications for running Ubuntu MATE on x86_64 desktop and laptop systems include a Core 2 Duo processor, 2 GB of RAM, 10 GB of hard disk space, and a of 1024x768. These requirements enable basic functionality, such as web browsing and office tasks, on systems dating back to the mid-2000s. For -based devices, official images are provided for models 2, 3, 3B+, and 4, requiring a minimum 5 GB microSD card for storage; armhf (32-bit) works on all supported models, while arm64 (64-bit) is available for Pi 3 and later. Recommended specifications for a smooth experience with multitasking and modern applications are a Core i3 processor (or equivalent), 4 GB of RAM, and 20 GB of SSD storage, paired with a display resolution of 1440x900 or higher that supports graphics acceleration. These specs facilitate efficient performance on systems from around 2010 onward, including light video editing and multiple browser tabs. The MATE desktop environment contributes to this efficiency with its low resource footprint, making Ubuntu MATE particularly optimized for pre-2010 hardware where idle system usage remains manageable on limited resources. Graphics support includes out-of-the-box compatibility with integrated Intel and AMD GPUs via open-source drivers. For discrete NVIDIA and AMD graphics cards, proprietary drivers can be installed post-setup using the Software & Updates tool to enable enhanced performance and features like hardware acceleration. Peripheral compatibility encompasses USB 2.0 ports and higher, Ethernet, and Wi-Fi adapters, with broad driver support inherited from the Ubuntu base. Printers are handled through the Common Unix Printing System (CUPS), which manages jobs and queues for a wide array of devices. Scanners and other imaging hardware are supported via the Scanner Access Now Easy (SANE) framework, enabling access to numerous models without additional proprietary software in most cases. As of the 25.10 release (Questing Quokka) in October 2025, MATE incorporates Linux kernel 6.17, which extends support to newer hardware including the 5 through compatible images adaptable to the MATE desktop. This kernel version ensures better integration with recent single-board computers, building on prior optimizations.

Reception

Critical reception

Ubuntu MATE has received praise from reviewers for its lightweight performance, particularly on older hardware. In a 2025 review, DistroWatch described the 25.04 release as a "professional, competent, and well-designed distro" that delivers speed and efficiency, making it suitable for users seeking a traditional desktop experience. Tom's Hardware highlighted Ubuntu MATE among the best Linux distributions for reviving old PCs, noting its MATE desktop environment as lighter than standard Ubuntu options and well-suited for low-resource systems. Critics have pointed to its aesthetics and update pace as drawbacks when compared to more modern desktops like or . The same DistroWatch review acknowledged "irritating quirks" in the default theming, such as cramped panel layouts and limited customization options for elements like separators. Additionally, Ubuntu MATE's reliance on MATE 1.26 in releases like 25.04 and 25.10 has been noted as lagging behind the more recent 1.28 version available in other distributions, due to stability concerns in Debian-based repositories. Notable coverage includes OMG! Ubuntu's ongoing highlights of its stability for beginners since 2015, when it became an official flavor and earned acclaim for recapturing the classic 2 feel. In 2025 analyses, such as comparisons of Ubuntu flavors, reviewers praised its lightweight design and performance. Ubuntu MATE has been featured in "best for old PCs" compilations, underscoring its reliability for legacy systems. Reception has evolved from early novelty in 2014-2016, where reviews like Linux Luddites' focused on its innovative revival of traditional interfaces, to 2025 emphases on dependable performance over flashy innovation. Reviews of the 25.10 release in October 2025 noted advances in hardware support and performance, though some troubles were reported with new features.

Community and user feedback

The Ubuntu MATE is centered around an official forum that has registered over 10,600 users as of 2023, with approximately 212 in the preceding 30 days, fostering discussions on support, customization, and development. This engaged user base contributes to ongoing improvements, with community members providing feedback that influences releases, such as refinements to the and hardware compatibility. User feedback consistently highlights Ubuntu MATE's strengths in performance and . Reviewers praise its design, which performs efficiently on older hardware, often describing it as "very responsive" and "light on resource usage." An average rating of 8.2 out of 10 from 78 reader reviews on underscores its reputation for stability and ease of customization, with users noting it as a "solid" and "user-friendly" option for those transitioning from other operating systems. Testimonials from users like Eric Londo emphasize the "incredible features" and enjoyable tinkering experience, while Kiran Kumar commends its "tremendous community support" and active development. Criticisms in user feedback often focus on occasional installation challenges and software integration issues. Some reports mention bugs in recent versions, such as desktop functionality failures post-upgrade, leading to lower ratings in isolated cases. Additionally, the inclusion of Snap packages has drawn complaints for slower performance and poor integration with applications like . Despite these, the overall sentiment remains positive, with recent reviews of the 24.04 LTS release appreciating enhancements in tools and user interface refinements.

References

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  29. https://www.phoronix.com/news/OTgxMA
  30. https://bbs.archlinux.org/viewtopic.php?id=121162
  31. https://wiki.mate-desktop.org/mate-desktop/components/marco/
  32. https://github.com/mate-desktop/marco
  33. https://www.fedoraproject.org/spins/mate/
  34. http://www.webupd8.org/2014/10/ubuntu-mate-sees-its-first-release-1410.html
  35. https://ubuntu-mate.community/t/ubuntu-mate-25-10-my-first-thoughts/30851
  36. https://mate-desktop.org/blog/2024-02-27-mate-1-28-released/
  37. https://ubuntuhandbook.org/index.php/2025/10/mate-1-28-coming-to-ubuntu-debian/
  38. https://forums.linuxmint.com/viewtopic.php?t=378647
  39. https://ubuntu-mate.org/blog/ubuntu-mate-jammy-jellyfish-release-notes/
  40. https://ubuntu-mate.community/t/17-04-nm-applet-works-fine-but-shows-2-icons-in-the-system-tray/12020
  41. https://askubuntu.com/questions/1160505/mate-18-04-mutiny-panel-layout-duplicates-top-panel-icons-applets
  42. https://ubuntu-mate.community/t/two-network-icon-in-notification-bar-ubuntu-mate-20-04/21636
  43. https://ubuntu-mate.org/blog/ubuntu-mate-hirsute-hippo-final-release/
  44. https://ubuntu-mate.org/blog/ubuntu-mate-bionic-beta1/
  45. https://github.com/ubuntu-mate/ubuntu-mate-welcome-legacy
  46. https://ubuntu-mate.org/blog/ubuntu-mate-noble-numbat-release-notes/
  47. https://ubuntu.com/about/release-cycle
  48. https://releases.ubuntu.com/
  49. https://documentation.ubuntu.com/project/release-team/list-of-releases/
  50. https://cdimage.ubuntu.com/ubuntu-mate/releases/16.04/release/
  51. https://ubuntu.com/security/esm
  52. https://ubuntu-mate.org/blog/ubuntu-mate-cosmic-final-release/
  53. https://ubuntu-mate.org/blog/ubuntu-mate-focal-fossa-release-notes/
  54. https://ubuntu-mate.org/blog/ubuntu-mate-oracular-oriole-release-notes/
  55. https://canonical.com/blog/canonical-releases-ubuntu-25-10-questing-quokka
  56. https://guide.ubuntu-mate.org/
  57. https://help.ubuntu.com/community/BurningIsoHowto
  58. https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Full_Disk_Encryption_Howto_2019
  59. https://cdimage.ubuntu.com/netboot/
  60. https://ubuntu-mate.org/blog/ubuntu-mate-utopic-beta2/
  61. https://cloud-images.ubuntu.com/
  62. https://ubuntu-mate.org/raspberry-pi/install/
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  64. https://ubuntu-mate.org/blog/ubuntu-mate-disco-final-release/
  65. https://documentation.ubuntu.com/server/how-to/graphics/install-nvidia-drivers/
  66. https://documentation.ubuntu.com/server/how-to/networking/cups-print-server/
  67. https://help.ubuntu.com/community/sane
  68. https://ubuntu.com/download/raspberry-pi
  69. https://distrowatch.com/weekly.php?issue=20250428
  70. https://www.tomshardware.com/software/linux/best-linux-distros-for-reviving-an-old-pc
  71. https://news.tuxmachines.org/n/2025/04/28/Review_Ubuntu_MATE_25_04.shtml
  72. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GDQo3Ehmy7U
  73. https://ubuntu-mate.org/blog/ubuntu-mate-reviewed-by-linux-luddites/
  74. https://www.zdnet.com/article/ubuntu-25-10-questing-quokka-brings-an-array-of-advances-plus-some-trouble/
  75. https://ubuntu-mate.community/t/ubuntu-mate-stats/26738
  76. https://ubuntu-mate.org/get-involved/community-support/
  77. https://distrowatch.com/dwres.php?resource=ratings&distro=ubuntumate
  78. https://medium.com/linux-plus-plus/why-im-heavily-considering-joining-the-green-team-ubuntu-mate-b6c19baa2513
  79. https://www.fosslinux.com/38716/ubuntu-mate-20-04-lts-review-refinement-at-its-best.htm
  80. https://news.itsfoss.com/ubuntu-mate-24-04/
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