FYI, I just spent the day comparing 18.04 Mate to the base Ubuntu release with the Gnome UI. Based on what I do, there is no comparison – the Mate release is clearly better. I thank you!
Up until about 4 years ago, I dabbled in Linux. Then I decided that the Ubuntu flavors had matured to the point that I could jettison my non-Linux environments completely. I have never been sorry.
Right now I am using Ubuntu 16.04 (two machines – from System 76) and Ubuntu Mate 17.10 (my wife’s machine – an older Asus laptop). In a couple of months I will move all to 18.04 Ubuntu Mate. I have a preference for the “familiar” presentation with Plank on the left side. I find it fast and efficient and sound.
I am an old retired guy. Our needs are not complex – web browsing (Firefox), email (Thunderbird), genealogy (GRAMPS), some web publishing (Zim, Filezilla, Bluefish, etc.), financial tracking (Kmymoney), “office” docs using LibeOffice, the occasional use of Gimp, distribution testing in VMs, etc.
I have tried (with very limited success) to spread the word about open source software and Linux, mainly through community education classes. It is a real shame that more people do not benefit from the Linux offerings.
I am pleased to support the team with a monetary contribution through Patreon. I thank you for your hard work. You have a fan.
Best wishes for continued success!