# Ubuntu MATE

> Ubuntu flavor that comes with the MATE desktop

**Wikidata**: [Q18915790](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q18915790)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ubuntu_MATE)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/ubuntu-mate

## Summary
Ubuntu MATE is a Linux distribution based on Ubuntu, featuring the MATE desktop environment. It is designed to be lightweight, user-friendly, and optimized for older hardware, making it ideal for low-cost systems like the Raspberry Pi.

## Key Facts
- **Based on Ubuntu**: Ubuntu MATE is a flavor of Ubuntu, inheriting its package management system (dpkg) and core components.
- **MATE Desktop**: Uses the MATE desktop environment, known for its traditional GNOME 2-like interface.
- **Lightweight**: Optimized for older hardware and low-resource systems, including the Raspberry Pi.
- **Long-Term Support (LTS) Releases**: Includes versions like 14.04 LTS (Trusty Tahr) and 18.04 LTS (Bionic Beaver).
- **First Release**: Launched on October 23, 2014, with version 14.10 (Utopic Unicorn).
- **Open-Source License**: Released under the GNU General Public License (GPL).
- **Multilingual Support**: Official website available in English and French.
- **Active Development**: Maintained by the Ubuntu MATE community, with releases every 6 months (non-LTS) or 2 years (LTS).

## FAQs
### Q: What is Ubuntu MATE used for?
A: Ubuntu MATE is used for older computers, Raspberry Pi devices, and systems requiring a lightweight, traditional desktop environment. It is popular among users who prefer a familiar interface without modern resource demands.

### Q: How does Ubuntu MATE differ from regular Ubuntu?
A: Ubuntu MATE replaces Ubuntu’s default GNOME desktop with the MATE desktop, which is more resource-efficient and retains a classic GNOME 2 look. It is tailored for older hardware and educational use.

### Q: Is Ubuntu MATE still supported?
A: Yes, Ubuntu MATE continues to receive updates, including LTS releases. The latest version (as of 2024) is 24.04 LTS, ensuring long-term stability and security.

### Q: Can I install Ubuntu MATE on a Raspberry Pi?
A: Yes, Ubuntu MATE is officially supported on Raspberry Pi devices, making it a popular choice for educational and embedded projects due to its lightweight design.

### Q: How often are new versions of Ubuntu MATE released?
A: Ubuntu MATE follows Ubuntu’s release cycle, with non-LTS versions every 6 months and LTS versions every 2 years, ensuring regular updates and security patches.

## Why It Matters
Ubuntu MATE fills a niche in the Linux ecosystem by providing a stable, traditional desktop experience for older hardware. Its lightweight design and MATE desktop make it accessible to users who may struggle with more resource-intensive distributions. By focusing on simplicity and reliability, Ubuntu MATE remains relevant for educational institutions, embedded systems, and users seeking a familiar computing environment. Its active community ensures continued support and innovation, making it a valuable option for those who prioritize stability over cutting-edge features.

## Notable For
- **Raspberry Pi Optimization**: One of the first official Ubuntu flavors optimized for the Raspberry Pi, catering to educational and embedded use cases.
- **Classic Desktop Experience**: Retains a traditional GNOME 2 interface, appealing to users who prefer simplicity and familiarity.
- **Long-Term Support**: Offers LTS releases with extended support, ensuring stability for critical applications.
- **Lightweight Performance**: Designed to run efficiently on older hardware, making it ideal for low-resource systems.
- **Community-Driven**: Maintained by a dedicated community, ensuring active development and user support.

## Body
### Origins and Development
Ubuntu MATE was first released on October 23, 2014, as version 14.10 (Utopic Unicorn). It was created to provide a lightweight, traditional desktop experience for users of older hardware. The distribution is based on Ubuntu and uses the MATE desktop environment, which was forked from GNOME 2 to maintain a classic interface.

### Key Features
Ubuntu MATE is notable for its use of the MATE desktop, which includes familiar applications like Caja (file manager), Pluma (text editor), and Mozo (menu editor). The distribution also supports multiple languages, with an official website available in English and French. It is distributed under the GNU General Public License (GPL), ensuring open-source accessibility.

### Hardware Support
Ubuntu MATE is particularly well-suited for the Raspberry Pi series of single-board computers. Its lightweight design makes it an ideal choice for educational projects and embedded systems. The distribution has been optimized for these devices, ensuring smooth performance on low-resource hardware.

### Release History
Ubuntu MATE has followed Ubuntu’s release cycle, with major versions including:
- **14.04 LTS (Trusty Tahr)**: Released November 11, 2014, as a long-term support release.
- **16.04 LTS (Xenial Xerus)**: Released April 21, 2016, with extended support.
- **18.04 LTS (Bionic Beaver)**: Released April 26, 2018, and remains a popular LTS version.
- **24.04 LTS**: The latest LTS release, ensuring continued stability and security.

### Community and Support
Ubuntu MATE is maintained by a dedicated community, with active development and user support. The distribution is available on platforms like GitHub, Launchpad, and DistroWatch, ensuring accessibility and transparency. Its focus on simplicity and reliability has made it a favorite among users seeking a traditional desktop experience.

## References

1. [Ubuntu MATE 14.10 Release](https://ubuntu-mate.org/blog/ubuntu-mate-utopic-final-release/)
2. [Ubuntu MATE 14.04 Release](https://ubuntu-mate.org/blog/ubuntu-mate-trusty-final-release/)
3. [Ubuntu MATE 15.04 Final Release](https://ubuntu-mate.org/blog/ubuntu-mate-vivid-final-release/)
4. [Ubuntu MATE 15.10 Final Release](https://ubuntu-mate.org/blog/ubuntu-mate-wily-final-release/)
5. [Ubuntu MATE 16.04 LTS](https://ubuntu-mate.org/blog/ubuntu-mate-xenial-final-release/)
6. [Ubuntu MATE 16.10](https://ubuntu-mate.org/blog/ubuntu-mate-yakkety-final-release/)
7. [Ubuntu MATE 17.04](https://ubuntu-mate.org/blog/ubuntu-mate-zesty-final-release/)
8. [Ubuntu MATE 17.10](https://ubuntu-mate.org/blog/ubuntu-mate-artful-final-release/)
9. [Ubuntu MATE 18.04 LTS Final Release](https://ubuntu-mate.org/blog/ubuntu-mate-bionic-final-release/)
10. [Ubuntu MATE 18.10](https://ubuntu-mate.org/blog/ubuntu-mate-cosmic-final-release/)
11. [Source](https://ubuntu-mate.org/blog/ubuntu-mate-focal-fossa-release-notes/)
12. [Source](https://ubuntu-mate.org/blog/ubuntu-mate-jammy-jellyfish-release-notes/)
13. [Source](https://ubuntu-mate.org/blog/ubuntu-mate-kinetic-kudu-release-notes/)
14. [Ubuntu MATE 23.04 Release Notes. 2023](https://ubuntu-mate.org/blog/ubuntu-mate-lunar-lobster-release-notes/)
15. [Ubuntu MATE 23.10 Release Notes. 2023](https://ubuntu-mate.org/blog/ubuntu-mate-mantic-minotaur-release-notes/)
16. [Ubuntu MATE 24.04 LTS Release Notes. 2024](https://ubuntu-mate.org/blog/ubuntu-mate-noble-numbat-release-notes/)
17. [Ubuntu MATE 24.10 Release Notes. 2024](https://ubuntu-mate.org/blog/ubuntu-mate-oracular-oriole-release-notes/)
18. [Ubuntu MATE 25.04 Release Notes. 2025](https://ubuntu-mate.org/blog/ubuntu-mate-plucky-puffin-release-notes/)
19. Quora