This is a good write-up on the MATE desktop environment for Linux. I’ve only briefly tried out Ubuntu MATE on a Raspberry Pi and I thought it was pretty nice.
Unlike commercial operating systems, Linux lets you change your desktop environment. One of the most popular is MATE, but how good is it, and should you install it on your Linux PC? Let’s find out.
Source: MATE Explained: A Look at One of Linux’s Most Enduring Desktops