Ubuntu MATE
A complete Ubuntu flavor for installing or running a Linux operating system with the MATE desktop experience.
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Ubuntu MATE vs Desktop Mate
Ubuntu MATE is an Ubuntu flavor built around the MATE Desktop Environment. Desktop Mate is an unrelated character companion application from infiniteloop. The spelling is similar; the download route is not.
Independent fan resource. Not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by infiniteloop Co., Ltd., Valve/Steam, or any character rights holder.
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Ubuntu MATE: Linux distribution
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MATE: desktop environment
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Desktop Mate: Steam companion
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Three distinct project names
MATE Desktop Environment
The desktop interface project used by Ubuntu MATE and other systems.
Desktop Mate
A separate Steam application with a character companion experience, not an Ubuntu package or Linux port.
What is Ubuntu MATE?
Ubuntu MATE is an official Ubuntu flavor that combines the Ubuntu base with the MATE Desktop Environment. Its site covers downloads, releases, installation guidance, system requirements, and community support for the Linux distribution.
If you are looking for an operating system, bootable image, package updates, or the classic Linux desktop layout, start at ubuntu-mate.org. Do not use a Desktop Mate Steam page for those needs.
What is Desktop Mate?
Desktop Mate is a separate desktop companion application from infiniteloop. The verified base-app route is the Steam listing, where the current supported platforms and DLC relationship are described.
It is not a Linux distribution, not a desktop-environment package, and not an Ubuntu flavor. A page offering a Desktop Mate ISO or Ubuntu package is not a legitimate substitute for the Steam app.
- Ubuntu MATE official site: ubuntu-mate.org.
- MATE Desktop Environment official site: mate-desktop.org.
- Desktop Mate official product route: Steam App ID 3301060.
- The projects have different publishers, release channels, and support expectations.
Choose the right official route
Use Ubuntu MATE's site when you want to install or learn about the Ubuntu flavor. Use mate-desktop.org when you want the desktop environment documentation. Use Steam when you want Desktop Mate the character companion.
When a search result blends the names, pause at the download button. A real first-party page should identify the project owner and the correct package or storefront.
Browse the source-verified mod catalog Check platform availability
Why this matters for safe downloads
Name collisions create a perfect opening for repacks and fake mobile downloads. A product screenshot, logo, or keyword in a page title does not prove the file is from the owner.
Check the destination, publisher, package type, and update history. For Desktop Mate community models, also check the original author's permissions and the loader requirements before installing anything.
Ubuntu MATE vs Desktop Mate FAQ
Is Ubuntu MATE the Linux version of Desktop Mate?
No. Ubuntu MATE is an Ubuntu flavor using the MATE Desktop Environment. Desktop Mate is a separate Steam companion app and has no publisher-listed native Linux release.
Can I install Desktop Mate from Ubuntu MATE?
There is no official Linux package listed for Desktop Mate. Follow the Steam listing for supported platforms and do not substitute an unknown package.
Where do I download Ubuntu MATE?
Use the official Ubuntu MATE site at ubuntu-mate.org for releases and installation guidance.
What is the difference between MATE and Ubuntu MATE?
MATE is the desktop environment project; Ubuntu MATE is an Ubuntu flavor that ships with it as the desktop experience.
Sources and verification
This page uses official product material for the Desktop Mate route and keeps similarly named projects or community files on their original sources.
Product and platform details checked on 2026-07-22. Recheck the live source pages after app or platform updates.