I'm super excited about the upcoming Ubuntu MATE 18.04 release!

For the past two weeks, I've been focusing on my work (which is repairing and selling computers) so I haven't written hardly at all here on Steemit. I've made some good progress and faced some challenges. All part of life.

One thing that I've really enjoyed is working more with Linux. I tested out the Beta for Ubuntu MATE 18.04 and I really like it. It's fast on older hardware, easy to use and fun. One of my sons was really excited when we loaded it on his laptop.

We've been using Linux and Ubuntu for years. Ubuntu MATE is a strange beast because it started as a way to keep the "traditional" Gnome 2 desktop environment. However, with the introduction of new desktop layouts and launcher choices, Ubuntu MATE is no longer just for those who don't like change. You can keep the "Traditional" layout if you'd like, but can switch things up with other layouts, too. I REALLY like this!

Redmond is similar to Microsoft Windows with the "Start Menu" on the bottom left.

Mutiny is very close to Ubuntu's own Unity that was discontinued. I the Unity layout for years, probably longer than any other Linux desktop environment.

Cupertino is similar to macOS from Apple.

Familiar is a mixture between the Traditional layout, but with the addition of the useful Brisk launcher menu. This will be the new default layout for Ubuntu MATE.

Blast from the Past, with a Twist

All in all, I'm very impressed and pleased with how Ubuntu MATE blends the things that I loved about older versions of Ubuntu with new technologies. It is very well done. I've already been recommending it to a lot of people.

Here's some details in a post about the progress the Ubuntu MATE team has been making with the Beta release:

https://ubuntu-mate.community/t/progress-report-as-we-approach-18-04-beta-2/16318?u=wimpy

If you don't know about Linux, an alternative to Microsoft Windows and the macOS operating systems, feel free to ask me questions in the comments.

Until next time,

-- @matthewdavid

If it's not MacOS, it's something else. 🤓🤓Which means I probably wouldnt get anything done on it.

Choose the tool that works for you! It's good to have options.

great, i am using Ubuntu mate, and i really like it

Awesome. Why choose any one OS when you can have them all? My Linux itch is growing by the day.

Looks good. They're missing a fluxbox style theme though! Does fluxbox even exist anymore? /me ponders

Fluxbox is still around. To install on Ubuntu:

sudo apt install fluxbox

So it's available as an option from the command line and then you could log out, choose the fluxbox environment and then log back in.

I think Fluxbox is a little too "minimal" to be included in the Traditional Desktop Metaphor. Right clicking on the desktop to get a menu isn't intuitive for most people (though it definitely has it's strengths and is super fast because nothing shows on the screen unless you want it to).

Thanks for commenting!

I loved the minimalist about it and you're right, for most it wouldn't be exactly ideal. It can be tedious.

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I will be featuring it in my weekly #technology and #science curation post for the @minnowsupport project and the Creators' Guild! The @creatorsguild is a new group of Steem bloggers and content creators looking to improve the overall quality of their niche.

If you wish not to be featured in the curation post this Saturday, please let me know. Keep up the hard work, and I hope to see you at the Creators' Guild!

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Hi @matthewdavid! Wow. I hope my followers will resteem that too.