MATE Desktop Environment is an open-source desktop project and the continuation of GNOME 2. Designed for Linux and other Unix-like operating systems, it offers an intuitive, attractive interface built around familiar, traditional desktop conventions. The project remains under active development, adding support for newer technologies while aiming to preserve that classic experience. MATE is available through official repositories for numerous Linux distributions, with support for additional systems and installation guidance provided by its community.

The desktop includes a suite of applications for everyday tasks. Caja manages files and desktop icons, while Pluma provides text editing with features such as tabs, syntax highlighting, and printing. Eye of MATE displays images, and Atril opens and prints a range of document formats, including PDF. Engrampa creates, browses, and extracts archives. MATE Terminal provides access to a Unix shell, with tabbed sessions and configurable profiles. The project’s website also offers screenshots, development information, news, and community resources, and invites users to contribute through donations.Together, these tools provide a practical desktop environment for browsing files, editing documents, viewing media, and working in a terminal.