Ubuntu MATE has become more popular now a day. It is a great alternative to Ubuntu. It has everything you would want from a good Linux distribution. If you are a Linux user then you must try it. Moreover, Ubuntu users will find it familiar as the name might suggest to you. This article will show you why Ubuntu MATE is different from Ubuntu Linux distribution. We will discuss likes and unlike these Linux distributions. As Ubuntu MATE is under the spotlight, we will discuss more of it.
Most people have heard about Ubuntu. Besides some might be using it right now. It is a great Linux distribution. With Linux at its core, it is a secure, fast, and powerful OS. Being a Linux distribution, it is open source and is customizable. You can customize it however you want. Ubuntu gives you total freedom. Here, Ubuntu MATE takes advantage of that freedom. Ubuntu comes with a Genome desktop environment. It adds a different desktop environment to the base Ubuntu operating system.
What makes Ubuntu MATE different from Ubuntu Linux
As I said earlier, Ubuntu MATE is Ubuntu but with a different desktop environment. This is the main difference between these distributions. Besides, both these Linux distributions are based on Canonical’s Ubuntu. Ubuntu uses a Gnome desktop environment. On the other hand, UbuntuMATE uses the MATE desktop environment. This might not sound like a big deal but trust me, the user experience changes.
Different desktop Environment of Ubuntu and Ubuntu MATE
The desktop environment makes Linux distribution GUI enabled. So you can do stuff without putting in commands. Ubuntu MATE is Ubuntu’s successor. Gnome is Ubuntu’s desktop environment The same thing applies to MATE. The MATE desktop environment is a continuation of genome DE. However, it is a more user-friendly and innovative desktop environment. You get the feel of traditional Linux and Unix-like OS. Nevertheless, both DEs are great and you go with whichever you want.
User Experience
As they have a different desktop environment, both have different user experiences. The MATE desktop environment of Ubuntu MATE gives the feel of UNIX. It feels like using traditional Linux distribution. On the other hand Gnome desktop environment in Ubuntu give you a modern feel. Genome DE is Heavier and more resource hungry then MATE DE. MATE DE will feel snappier in low-end hardware. Whereas, in high-end PC you will not feel any difference.
Community Support
In this department, Ubuntu comes at the top. It is a community-driven Linux distribution. Ubuntu fans and community support are working hard to make Ubuntu the best Linux distribution. On the other hand, UbuntuMATE is also a community-driven Linux distribution. However, it is nothing compared to Ubuntu community support. It fells shorts to Ubuntu when it comes to community support. Nevertheless, It is not like it doesn’t have good support. Its community is very active and constantly provides updates. Normal users won’t feel the difference in the long run.
The release pattern
This is similar between these distributions. Again as a child OS of Ubuntu, the release pattern of Ubuntu MATE is also the same as Ubuntu. There are two major releases. One is LTS release and the other is non-LTS release. LTS is a long-term support release. It comes out every 2 years. This release comes with support for 5 years. That means it receives updates and security updates for the next 5 years. On the other hand, the non-LTS release comes with support for only 9-10 months. These distributions are similar in this department. This is one reason they are like each other.
Conclusion!!
Both of these Linux distributions are great in their way. Ubuntu MATE is like Ubuntu’s Child OS. The primary difference you will notice is the desktop environment. Other than that you will use the same Linux distribution. However, the desktop environment MATE is less resource hungry. Therefore, It will run flawlessly in lower-end hardware. That is something you should decide according to hardware. So go ahead try them yourself.