In this article, we are going to delve into the process of completely removing the MATE desktop environment from Ubuntu MATE 16.04, and setting Cinnamon as the default desktop environment. This guide assumes that you have a basic understanding of using the terminal and running commands in Ubuntu.
Introduction
Ubuntu MATE is a stable, easy-to-use operating system with a configurable desktop environment. It is ideal for those who want the most out of their computers and prefer a traditional desktop metaphor. However, if you prefer the Cinnamon desktop environment, you may want to completely remove MATE and set Cinnamon as your default desktop environment.
Step 1: Checking Installed MATE Packages
To start, open a terminal by pressing Ctrl+Alt+T. Once the terminal is open, run the following command:
sudo dpkg -l | grep mateThis command will list all installed packages related to MATE. The dpkg -l command lists all installed packages, and the grep mate part filters this list to only show packages that have “mate” in their names.
Step 2: Removing MATE Packages
After reviewing the list of MATE packages, you can proceed with the removal process. Run the following command to remove most MATE-related packages:
sudo apt remove ubuntu-mate-*The apt remove command is used to remove installed packages. The ubuntu-mate-* part is a wildcard that matches all packages starting with “ubuntu-mate-“. The sudo command is used to run the command as root, which is required for package management commands.
Step 3: Setting Cinnamon as the Default Desktop Environment
Once the removal process is complete, you can set Cinnamon as the default desktop environment. Run the following command:
sudo update-alternatives --config x-session-managerThe update-alternatives command is used to manage symbolic links determining default commands. The --config x-session-manager part opens a menu that lets you select the default x-session-manager, which is the program that starts up the graphical desktop.
You will see a list of available desktop environments. Select the number corresponding to Cinnamon and press Enter.
Step 4: Restarting Your Computer
Now, all you need to do is restart your computer. When you log back in, Cinnamon should be the default desktop environment. You can do this by clicking on the power icon in the top right corner and selecting “Restart”.
Conclusion
By following these steps, you should have successfully removed the MATE desktop environment and set Cinnamon as your default desktop environment in Ubuntu MATE 16.04. Remember, it’s important to understand the commands you are running on your system. Always double-check any commands you find online before running them, especially if they require root permissions.
If you have any questions or run into any issues, feel free to ask for help on the Ubuntu Forums or Ask Ubuntu.
Yes, you can uninstall MATE without affecting other packages on your system. The sudo apt remove ubuntu-mate-* command only removes packages related to MATE, so your other packages will remain intact.
No, removing MATE will not delete your personal files and settings. The removal process only removes the MATE desktop environment and its related packages. Your personal files and settings will be unaffected.
Yes, you can switch back to MATE after setting Cinnamon as the default desktop environment. You can use the sudo update-alternatives --config x-session-manager command again and select the number corresponding to MATE to set it as the default desktop environment.
Yes, it is possible to have both MATE and Cinnamon installed on your system. However, you can only have one desktop environment set as the default at a time. You can switch between them as needed using the sudo update-alternatives --config x-session-manager command.
