Quick Info: Ubuntu MATE is a top-notch operating system for computers, especially those with limited hardware capabilities. This feature also makes it perfect for Raspberry Pi 2 and 3. You can fetch the Ubuntu MATE 16.04.2 LTS image for Raspberry Pi from the Ubuntu MATE website, save it on a microSD card, and set it up effortlessly.
When we discuss the mini computers, Raspberry Pi family is one of the first names that come up. In comparison to other rivals, Raspberry Pi boards have gained a remarkable popularity, thanks to The Raspberry Pi Foundation and the passionate creators who have admired the Pi.
Besides using it for DIY projects, one can also utilize it for fundamental computing tasks. In a similar context, in June, we featured a developer’s attempt to substitute his lost MacBook Pro with a Raspberry Pi. If you are keen to learn about Raspberry Pi, its components, places to purchase it from, etc., you can delve into our Getting Started With Raspberry Pi series.
In the third segment of the series, we instructed you on how to set up and launch Raspbian on Raspberry Pi. For those unaware, Raspbian, based on Debian GNU/Linux, is the endorsed operating system for the Pi. Apart from Raspbian, there are numerous other efficient Linux distributions available. Ubuntu MATE is one such Linux distro.
Why Go For Ubuntu MATE? What’s the Appeal of Installing it on Raspberry Pi?
A multitude of you may be aware that Ubuntu, the most sought-after Linux distribution, offers numerous official flavors such as Ubuntu MATE, Ubuntu Budgie, Kubuntu, Xubuntu, etc. These Ubuntu variations are packed with diverse desktop environments and software packages.
As implied by its name, Ubuntu MATE features the MATE desktop environment. MATE is a successor to the solid GNOME 2. With its eye-catching appearance and user-friendly layout, this actively maintained desktop environment earns high marks in the realm of best Linux desktop environments.
Users should not confuse Ubuntu MATE for Raspberry Pis 2 and 3 with the Ubuntu Snappy Core operating system. Ubuntu MATE is considerably lighter compared to Ubuntu’s flagship release. Crafted by Martin Wimpress and Rohith Madhavan, Ubuntu MATE’s Raspberry version is founded on the Ubuntu 16.04.2 LTS edition. It’s indubitably lightweight.
Prior to demonstrating how to install Ubuntu MATE on Raspberry Pi 3, it’s worth noting that this distro comes equipped with a curated selection of default applications. It contains all the software essentials for your daily needs, including Caja file manager, Pluma text editor, LibreOffice, Scratch, IDLE, Sonic Pi, VLC, Rhythmbox, Shotwell, etc.
Setting Up Ubuntu MATE on Raspberry Pi
Acquire the Ubuntu MATE Image
The initial and straightforward step before acquiring the Ubuntu MATE OS is ensuring you have all the prerequisites. Refer to this article to determine what you’ll need, including an HDMI cable, mouse, monitor, microSD card, etc.
Subsequently, head over to the Ubuntu MATE website and get the image. Visit this link and select the Ubuntu MATE 16.04.2 LTS tab. Then, track down the Raspberry Pi option. Click on it, and you’ll find the choice to download the image via torrent or HTTP link. 
Transferring the Image to microSD Card
Following image retrieval, the subsequent stage involves loading the OS image onto the microSD card. For this objective, I recommend utilizing a 16GB Class 10 memory card (8GB is also acceptable). Given that the downloaded image is compressed in .xz format, you need to unpack it by executing specific commands and tools:
For Linux:
In Ubuntu, you can uncompress the file manually and leverage the dd utility. Alternatively, ddrescue is another viable option. If ddrescue isn’t yet installed on your system, employ the subsequent command for its installation:
sudo apt-get install gddrescue xz-utils
Now, proceed to extract the compressed file. You can do so by executing the unxz command for unpacking the file.
unxz ubuntu-mate-16.04.2-desktop-armhf-raspberry-pi.img.xz
The final steps involve deploying the extracted image to the card using ddrescue. To accomplish this, utilize the following command. Here, you should substitute /dev/sdx with your card’s path, which can be determined by running the lsblk command.
sudo ddrescue -D --force ubuntu-mate-16.04.2-desktop-armhf-raspberry-pi.img /dev/sdx
For Mac:
In Mac, you can extract the file using The Uarchiver utility. I personally endorse it, and it works seamlessly. Post-installation, simply click to start the extraction process, generating a .img file.
Alternatively, if you prefer sticking to the terminal exclusively, you can also set up the xz tools for decompressing the archive. Execute the following for installation:
brew install xzNext, navigate to the directory where the compressed image is stored and unpack it using the following command:
xz -d ubuntu-mate-16.04.2-desktop-armhf-raspberry-pi.img.xz
Upon acquiring the .img file through either method, execute the following dd command and transfer the image:
sudo dd bs=1m if=<your image file>.img of=/dev/<disk# from diskutil>
Substitute with the path of your unzipped .img Ubuntu file and /dev/ withIdentify the route of your microSD card. You can determine the card route by executing the following command in Mac:
diskutil list
Be advised that the dd command will require some time to finish. Kindly exhibit patience. You may hit CTRL+T while dd is in progress to monitor the advancement in bytes.
An alternate solution is to utilize a GUI-based program such as Etcher for comfortably writing the image.
For Windows
To access files in Windows operating system, you can deploy 7-Zip for unzipping the file. Retrieve it from this location.
Upon acquiring the .img file, you must download and install the Win32DiskImager utility. In this utility tool, indicate the unzipped image and determine the drive letter corresponding to the microSD card. After ensuring that all the selected options are accurate, click on the Write button to finalize the process. You can also opt for the Etcher tool referenced in the Mac section.
Initializing microSD card, booting Raspberry Pi, and setting up Ubuntu MATE
The subsequent step for installing Ubuntu MATE on Raspberry Pi encompasses inserting the microSD card into the Pi. Assuming that your mouse, keyboard, monitor, and power supply cables are connected, power on the device. This should display the MATE logo similar to this:
It will be succeeded by various system configuration screens where you will specify the language, location, WiFi network, etc. Input the required details.
In the subsequent screen, you will be prompted to construct a username, assign a name to the computer, and establish a password.
Following password setup, hit the Continue button and the installation process will conclude autonomously. This will finalize within a few minutes. 
Upon the completion of Ubuntu MATE installation on Raspberry Pi, your device will restart, and you will be required to input the password. Input it and proceed.
As depicted below, a welcome interface will appear to welcome you. Feel free to explore the Getting Started section, browse through software, or navigate the operating system.
Difficulty in Wi-Fi connectivity with Raspberry Pi 3 using Ubuntu MATE?
Upon the initial boot completion, the configured Wi-Fi may not operate. A device restart is necessary for the Wi-Fi to commence functioning.
If the issue persists, you can experiment with an alternative approach. Manually crafting the wireless configuration file can be an option. For this, execute the subsequent command:
sudo vi /etc/network/interfaces.d/wlan0
Add the subsequent content to the file:
auto wlan0 iface wlan0 inet dhcp wpa-essid YOURWIRELESSSSID wpa-psk YOURWIRELESSPASSWORD
Save the file, restart the device, and the Wi-Fi should now start functioning.
My impression of Ubuntu MATE on Raspberry Pi 3?
I executed the installation of Ubuntu MATE on Raspberry Pi 3 and I have to admit that I was astonished by the performance. The overall appearance appealed more to me than Raspbian. I tested a couple of YouTube videos, and they played smoothly without any interruptions. The integrated speakers on my monitor required no adjustment. While watching the video and opening additional tabs, I tried several other applications, and I did not notice significant lag.
You can see my Ubuntu MATE desktop displayed below:
Did you find this guide useful for installing Ubuntu MATE on Raspberry Pi 3 and 2? Share your thoughts with us.
You can purchase Raspberry Pi 3 bundles from these links on Amazon.com and Amazon.in.
