Ubuntu MATE
Install Ubuntu MATE
Ubuntu Mate
Ubuntu Mate is a new Linux distribution that is based on the popular Ubuntu Linux Distribution. As the name suggests, Ubuntu MATE uses the popular MATE desktop which is a continuation of the development of GNOME 2. For more details regarding the MATE desktop please visit the official site MATE Desktop. Ubuntu MATE can be used on lower end hardware as well as the latest hardware. The minimum hardware requirements are as follows:
| Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|
| Pentium III 750MHz | Core 2 Duo 1.6GHz |
| 512 MB of RAM | 2 GB of RAM |
| 8 GB of available space on the hard disk | 16 GB of available space on the hard disk |
| Video Adapter and monitor with 1024 x 768 or higher resolution | 3D capable Video Adapter and wide screen monitor with 1366 x 768 or higher resolution |
| Bootable DVD Drive | Bootable DVD Drive |
| Keyboard and Mouse | Keyboard and Mouse |
| Sound Card and Speakers | Sound Card and Speakers |
Ubuntu MATE comes with a wide variety of pre-installed software. This includes the Firefox web browser, Libre Office suite, Shotwell photo manager, Rythmbox music manager, Brasero disk burning software, Pidgin messenger and many more packages. Additional software is easily installed from the Ubuntu Software Centre.
Installing Ubuntu MATE
To try Ubuntu MATE, simply download the image that matches your system's processor type (32bit - 64bit) from the link below:
Download Ubuntu MATE
Once you have downloaded your chosen "iso" image that matches your systems architecture (32bit/64bit), you will need to burn this image to a DVD. For software that can do this, search for "dvd iso burning software" in the search box above. Your computer system may already have CD/DVD burning software already installed, such as "Brasero, K3B, Nero, CDBurnerXP or Roxio". Once you have burned your chosen "iso" image of Ubuntu MATE to your DVD, you will need to place this DVD into the DVD drive of the target system that you are going to install Ubuntu MATE to. You will then need to reboot. As your computer reboots, you will need to press the appropriate key to access your system's BIOS settings. On many systems this key will be "F8", "F11" or "F12". Most systems will display a message indicating which key needs to be pressed. Once you have access to your system's BIOS settings, you will need to modify the boot order of your system to boot from CD/DVD first. Once you have made this change, you can reboot your system again and follow the Instructions below.
Welcome Screen
From the displayed Welcome Screen you have the options of trying out Ubuntu before actually installing. If you choose the "Try" option, you can try Ubuntu MATE without installing anything to your hard drive. This option is very useful as not only can you take a look at the operating system, you can also test your wifi settings before committing to an installation. To install Ubuntu MATE to your hard drive, simply choose the "Install Ubuntu" option. From this screen you also need to specify the language that is to be used throughout the installation. In this example "English" has been chosen.
Preparing to Install Ubuntu MATE
At this screen, you are reminded of the minimum space requirements that are needed for the installation of MATE. It is recommended that you have an active connection to the internet. You may also choose the option to install "third party software". This option is recommended as this will provide the necessary plugins for Audio and Video playback.
Installation Type
From this screen you have various installation options. In this example, I am installing to an empty hard drive with no other operating systems or data present. If you have another operating system present, Ubuntu MATE should find this and give you further options. In this particular example I have chosen the option of "Erase Disk and install Ubuntu". You have the option of using LVM to manage your disks. If you go with first option (default) to "Erase Disk and install Ubuntu", your disk will be automatically partitioned. However, if you wish to manually configure your disk(s) layout, you can choose the option of "Something else". Once you have made your choices, click on the "Install Now" button.
Write the changes to disk
After you have made your choices. A pop up message will appear confirming your disk layout. To go ahead and create these partitions, simply click the option "Continue". If you have made a mistake, you may press back and rectify this.
Where are you?
From this screen you specify your location. If you have an active internet connection, your location should have been automatically chosen. This setting is also used for your system's time zone settings. If your location was not automatically found, or you wish to change the current setting, simply type your new location into the search box provided.
Keyboard Layout
At this screen you must select your keyboard settings. In this example I have chosen the keyboard layout "English (UK)". You can also try your keyboard settings out by typing into the test area provided below. Once you are happy with your selection, click "Continue"
Who are you?
At this screen you need to create your first user on the system. You will be asked to supply a user name and password. You must also provide a name for your system (hostname). It is advisable to Select the option "require my password to login" as extra security (default option).
Welcome to Ubuntu MATE
This next phase is the actual installation of your operating system. Here your user account, time zone settings and various packages are installed. If you have an active internet connection and chose to install third party apps or updates, these will be downloaded and installed. Progress is indicated along the bottom of the screen. While the installation takes place, you will be displayed a slide show indicating some of the software and features that come as standard within Ubuntu MATE.
Installation Complete
Congratulations, your Ubuntu MATE installation has now completed successfully. You will now need to restart your computer to use your new system. Please remove any installation media from your drive when asked to do so.
Ubuntu MATE Login Screen
Once your system has booted, you should be taken to a login screen similar to the one shown (assuming that you went with the default setting of "require my password to login"). At this screen you must enter the password for the user you created earlier.
Ubuntu MATE Desktop
Congratulations, you have successfully installed Ubuntu MATE. You will find your applications under the menu heading "Applications". Your folders are under the heading "Places" and your system preference and administration tools can be found under the heading "System".
