1.4 Powerful Applications
While MATE Desktop provides the essential user applications and tools to control and use your computer, Ubuntu MATE adds a collection of additional applications to turn your computer into a truly powerful workstation. Naturally you'll also find a firewall, a backup application, a document/photo scanner, and printer management all included in Ubuntu MATE.
Ubuntu MATE Welcome, found in the Ubuntu MATE menus at System ▸ Welcome, is a utility unique to Ubuntu MATE that helps orientate users with their new operating system. It guides users through post-install configuration such as installing drivers and adding language support. Welcome provides a one-click installation from a highly curated list of best-in-class software to "get stuff done".
Firefox delivers safe, easy web browsing.
Thunderbird is a full-featured email client with integrated spam filtering.
LibreOffice is a full-featured office productivity suite that is Microsoft(R) Office compatible.
Printing on Ubuntu MATE is simple and easy. In most cases you simply connect your printer via USB cable and Ubuntu MATE immediately configures it for use. Printing to a network printer is almost as easy.
The Simple Scan application, found in the Ubuntu MATE menus at Applications ▸ Graphics ▸ Simple Scan, provides a simple and easy way to scan your documents. Once you scanner is connected via USB or over the network, configuration is usually automatic. Load your document, press Scan, then save the image.
Whether you are scanning a page, writing a book, or saving a web page, PDF creation on Ubuntu MATE is built-in. Most applications allow you to save or export a document as a PDF from the application menus. If the application you use doesn't offer that directly, you can always print the document as a PDF file.
Rhythmbox is a very easy to use music playing and organiser.
Shotwell is a digital photo organiser.
With VLC you can play, capture, broadcast your multimedia streams.
Ubuntu MATE is fully compatible with Steam for Linux. There are also many high quality and enjoyable Open Source games titles available for Ubuntu MATE via the Ubuntu Software Centre.
Ubuntu MATE is designed with security in mind. Ubuntu MATE receives updates continuously, which ensures that you have the latest protection for all of your computer's software -- as soon as it's available!
Making an accessible operating system was a key priority when the Ubuntu MATE founders initially set out the goals of the project.
Software Centers
There is an abundance of additional software available for Ubuntu MATE. Some people may find that choice overwhelming, so Ubuntu MATE's Software Boutique has been created as a carefully curated selection of the best-in-class applications, chosen because they integrate well, complement Ubuntu MATE and enable you to self style your computing experience.
And this is just the start. If you can't find what you're looking for, install one of the software centers to explore the complete Ubuntu software catalog. For example, the Ubuntu Software Centre includes thousands of applications suitable for just about any professional or recreational pursuit.