Install MATE Desktop on Ubuntu - Return to GNOME 2 Look
Rediscovering the GNOME 2 Experience with MATE on Ubuntu
For users who fondly remember the simplicity and functionality of GNOME 2, and find themselves unable to adapt to newer desktop environments like Unity or GNOME 3, MATE provides a compelling solution.
MATE represents a continuing development path based directly on the GNOME 2 codebase. This ensures a familiar and comfortable experience for those seeking a traditional desktop paradigm.
Installing MATE on Ubuntu
While not included in the standard Ubuntu repositories, MATE is readily available through an official repository maintained by the MATE developers.
This dedicated repository offers a safe and reliable installation method. It avoids potential system conflicts that can sometimes arise from utilizing repositories intended for other distributions, such as Linux Mint.
Choosing the official MATE repository for Ubuntu guarantees a stable and well-integrated desktop environment without compromising the integrity of your system.
Installation
To begin, open a terminal window via the Dash and execute the following command to incorporate the MATE repository into your system:
sudo add-apt-repository "deb http://packages.mate-desktop.org/repo/ubuntu oneiric main"
This particular command is designed for Ubuntu 11.10, also known as Oneiric Ocelot. Should you be operating a different Ubuntu release, substitute “oneiric” with the corresponding codename – for instance, use “precise” when running Ubuntu 12.04, Precise Pangolin.
Following the addition of the repository, the next step involves updating the package lists.
Execute this command to download the list of available packages:
sudo apt-get update
The MATE archive utilizes a key for digitally signing its packages. Install this key using the following command:
sudo apt-get install mate-archive-keyring
With the repository added and the key installed, the MATE desktop can now be installed.
Run this command to proceed with the installation:
sudo apt-get install mate-core
Confirm the installation by typing 'Y' and pressing Enter when prompted.
Consider installing the mate-utils package as well. This package provides helpful utilities, including a screenshot tool.
The installation command for these utilities is: “sudo apt-get install mate-utils”.
Initiating MATE
Following the installation of MATE, it is necessary to sign out from the menu located in the upper-right corner of the panel.
This ensures a clean session for the new desktop environment to load correctly.
Upon reaching the login screen, choose the MATE desktop environment from the available options prior to entering your credentials.
Selecting MATE at this stage will launch you directly into the newly installed desktop.
Exploring the MATE Desktop Environment
For those with experience in the Linux world, the MATE desktop will evoke a strong sense of familiarity. It represents a continuation of the GNOME 2 desktop experience, previously featured in Ubuntu up to version 10.10.
A casual glance might lead you to believe you are once again utilizing GNOME 2. However, MATE distinguishes itself with a unique logo and name. Its origins are still evident when examining the About window.
To ensure distinction, the applications included have been renamed from their GNOME 3 counterparts. For example, the Nautilus file manager is now known as Caja, while the Eye of GNOME image viewer has been rebranded as Eye of MATE. Similarly, GNOME Terminal is now MATE Terminal.
The interface features both a top bar, containing an applications menu, and a bottom bar displaying a list of open windows. These elements represent design choices often discarded by more modern desktop environments.
Customization options remain extensive. The number of bars, their placement, and the applets displayed on them can all be adjusted. Right-clicking on a panel provides access to applet management, customization settings, panel deletion, and the addition of new panels.
To achieve a more traditional Ubuntu aesthetic, the Appearance preferences panel (accessible via System > Preferences) allows you to select the Ambiance theme.
In essence, MATE is GNOME 2 revitalized. A significant number of users actively seek this experience, as evidenced by online discussions. If you are among them, direct action is possible – install and contribute to the MATE project. The responsiveness of MATE and Linux Mint to user feedback likely contributes to Mint’s growing popularity.
We have also previously detailed the installation process for the Cinnamon desktop on Ubuntu, which represents a more contemporary desktop environment also associated with Linux Mint.
What are your thoughts on MATE? Do you find the older GNOME 2 environment preferable to Unity, GNOME 3, and other newer desktop environments? Or have you embraced the advancements offered by more recent desktop options? Share your opinions in the comments below.