How to do it...

To configure the Mate environment follow the given steps:

1. We start by using the following command to install the Mate environment:

        apt-get install desktop-base mate-desktop-environment

The following screenshot shows the preceding command:

1. Type Y when it asks for confirmation on additional space requirements.
2. When installation is complete we will use the following command to set Mate as our default environment:

        update-alternatives --config x-session-manager

1. Choose the option mate-session (in our case 2) and press the Enter key:

1. Log out and log in again or restart and we will see the Mate environment: