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The MATE Desktop Environment is a desktop environment that is the continuation of GNOME 2. It is known for using traditional metaphors for Linux and other Unix-like operating systems, and for being a lightweight desktop that runs well on older hardware. It is available on a wide variety of Linux, Illumos and BSD - based systems. MATE is known as one of the three desktop options on Linux Mint, as well as the main desktop of Ubuntu MATE.
Features
MATE is configured by default to use a traditional UNIX-like desktop layout, with a top and bottom panel like its ancestor GNOME 2. It is a lightweight desktop, much like XFCE, and is often used on older and less powerful computers. It can use GTK2 or GTK3 theming - the latter being compatible with Cinnamon.
Software
The base system is made up of the Marco window manager, MATE Panel, and MATE Session Manager. Additional software can be installed on some distributions with the mate-extras package.
MATE includes the Caja file manager, Pluma notepad / text editor, Eye of MATE image viewer, Atril document viewer, Engrampa archive manager, and MATE Terminal.
Naming
MATE is said to be pronounced "mah-tay". The MATE desktop is named after Ilex paraguariensis, commonly known as yerba maté, which is a caffeine-rich holly plant used to make the infused herbal drink mate.