The Complete Guide to Ubuntu MATE | Features, Installation, and Usage Tips Explained

1. Introduction

What is Ubuntu MATE?

Differences from Ubuntu

Who Should Use Ubuntu MATE?

1. Those who want to repurpose an old PC

• Since Ubuntu MATE is a relatively lightweight OS, it can run on older computers.
• If you install it on a PC that previously ran Windows XP or Windows 7, it can be revived with a modern OS.

1. Those who prefer a Windows-like interface

• It adopts a traditional desktop layout, making the transition from Windows smooth.

1. Users who enjoy customization

• You can freely customize panels, window managers, themes, and more to create your ideal desktop environment.

1. Beginners looking for a user-friendly Linux distribution

• As it’s based on Ubuntu, it offers a simple UI and stable performance, making it suitable for Linux newcomers.

Summary

2. Key Features of Ubuntu MATE

Lightweight and Fast Performance

• Runs smoothly on older PCs Ubuntu MATE works well even on low-spec hardware. For example, it can run without issues on a PC with an old Intel Core 2 Duo and 4GB of RAM.
• Minimal system load Since it reduces desktop animations and effects, the startup and overall operation remain smooth.
• Optimized for low-end systems It uses minimal RAM and relies on lightweight applications, ensuring efficient resource usage.

User-Friendly Desktop Environment

• Taskbar and Start Menu A panel is located at the top (or bottom) of the screen, allowing you to launch programs easily via the application menu. The UI is similar to Windows’ Start Menu, making it easy for beginners to adapt.
• Multi-panel system You can customize panels by adding application launchers, system monitors, and more.
• Smooth window management You can freely arrange multiple windows with traditional window operation features.

High Customizability

• Panel layout customization Using the MATE Tweak tool, you can switch panel layouts to GNOME 2-style, Windows-style, Mac-style, and more.
• Theme and icon customization System themes and icon sets can be freely changed, making it a great option for customization enthusiasts.
• Keyboard shortcut settings You can configure various keyboard shortcuts to enhance productivity.

Stability and Long-Term Support (LTS)

• Stable system LTS versions prioritize stability and security over introducing new features, ensuring long-term reliability.
• Regular security updates Security patches from Canonical (Ubuntu’s developer) are released regularly, ensuring a safe environment.

Multilingual Support (Including Japanese)

• Built-in Japanese input support By selecting “Japanese” during installation, the Japanese input environment (IBus and Mozc) is automatically configured.
• Fully localized menus and system settings With a pre-installed Japanese language pack, beginners can use the system comfortably in their native language.

Summary

3. How to Install Ubuntu MATE

System Requirements

Downloading Ubuntu MATE

1. Visit the official website
2. Click on “Download”
3. Select the latest LTS version (e.g., Ubuntu MATE 24.04 LTS)
4. Ensure you select the 64-bit architecture and start the download

Creating Installation Media

Creating Installation Media on Windows

1. Download Rufus from the official website
2. Insert a USB drive (8GB or more) into your PC
3. Launch Rufus and configure the following settings:

• “Boot selection” → Choose the downloaded ISO
• “Partition scheme” → Select GPT (or MBR if needed)
• “File system” → Select FAT32

1. Click “Start” to create the installation media

Creating Installation Media on Mac/Linux

sudo dd if=ubuntu-mate-24.04-desktop-amd64.iso of=/dev/sdX bs=4M status=progress

Installation Steps

1. Boot from the USB Drive

• Enable “USB Boot” in the BIOS/UEFI settings and start from the USB drive.

1. Ubuntu MATE Installation Screen

• When prompted, select “Install Ubuntu MATE”.

1. Select Language

• Choose “English” (or another preferred language) and click “Continue.”

1. Select Keyboard Layout

• The default setting is typically “English (US),” but you can change it if necessary.

1. Choose Installation Type

• Select “Normal installation” or “Minimal installation.”
• Check “Download updates while installing Ubuntu” for a fully updated system.

1. Disk Partitioning

• Select “Erase disk and install Ubuntu MATE” to perform a fresh installation.
• If dual-booting with Windows, select “Something else” and configure partitions manually.

1. Set Up User Information

• Enter your name and password, then choose between “Automatic login” or “Require password to log in.”

1. Start Installation

• Click “Install” and wait for the process to complete (approximately 10-30 minutes).

1. Complete Installation

• Click “Restart now,” remove the USB drive, and reboot your PC.

Initial Setup and Language Configuration

System Update

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

Setting Up Input Method for Other Languages

1. Open “System” → “Language Support”
2. Click “Install Languages”
3. Ensure the desired language input method is installed
4. Select “IBus” as the input method

Installing Essential Software

• Google Chrome (Fast and secure browser)

wget https://dl.google.com/linux/direct/google-chrome-stable_current_amd64.deb
sudo dpkg -i google-chrome-stable_current_amd64.deb
sudo apt-get -f install

• VLC Media Player (For playing various video formats)

sudo apt install vlc

• LibreOffice (Office suite for documents, spreadsheets, and presentations)

sudo apt install libreoffice

Summary

4. How to Use and Optimize Ubuntu MATE

Basic Setup After Installation

Updating the System

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

Configuring Language and Time Settings

1. Open “System” → “Time & Date”
2. Select the appropriate timezone
3. Ensure NTP (Network Time Synchronization) is enabled

Everyday Use

File Management

• Double-click to open files
• Right-click for “Copy,” “Paste,” or “Delete”
• Drag & Drop for moving files between folders

Summary

Using the Internet

wget https://dl.google.com/linux/direct/google-chrome-stable_current_amd64.deb
sudo dpkg -i google-chrome-stable_current_amd64.deb
sudo apt-get -f install

Using Office Software

• Writer (Word Processor) → Alternative to Microsoft Word
• Calc (Spreadsheet Software) → Alternative to Microsoft Excel
• Impress (Presentation Software) → Alternative to Microsoft PowerPoint

Installing Additional Software

1. Go to “System” → “Software Manager”
2. Search for an application (e.g., “VLC,” “GIMP”)
3. Click “Install”

sudo apt install vlc

Recommended Applications

Customization Tips

Changing Desktop Layout

1. Go to “System” → “MATE Tweak”
2. Select from “Panel Layout” options

• Traditional (Classic desktop layout)
• Redmond (Windows-style layout)
• Cupertino (Mac-style layout)

Changing Themes and Icons

1. Go to “System” → “Appearance Settings”
2. Select a theme under the “Themes” tab
3. Click “Customize” to modify window decorations and icons

sudo apt install arc-theme papirus-icon-theme

Setting Up Keyboard Shortcuts

1. Go to “System” → “Keyboard Shortcuts”
2. Click “Add” to create a new shortcut
3. For example, assign “Ctrl + Alt + T” to open the terminal

Summary

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is Ubuntu MATE free?

Q2: How does Ubuntu MATE differ from other Ubuntu flavors (Xubuntu, Kubuntu, etc.)?

Q3: Can Ubuntu MATE run on an old PC?

Q4: Is software installation easy?

sudo apt install vlc

Q5: Can I input Japanese on Ubuntu MATE?

1. Go to “System” → “Language Support”
2. Click “Install Languages” and select Japanese
3. Set the input method to “IBus”
4. Ensure Mozc (Japanese IME) is installed

Q6: Can Ubuntu MATE be dual-booted with Windows?

Q7: Where can I find troubleshooting resources?

• Ubuntu MATE Official Forum
• Ask Ubuntu

6. Conclusion and Why You Should Use Ubuntu MATE

Why Ubuntu MATE?

• Consumes fewer resources compared to GNOME or KDE
• Runs smoothly on older PCs

• Supported for five years with security updates

• Allows theme, layout, and shortcut customization

Get Started with Ubuntu MATE