Almost every software package that is available and tested
for MATE is available in the online software repositories (software catalog). The concept of software
repositories is likely not all that familiar to long-time users switching from
Windows since classic Windows users normally had to go to a brick and mortar
store or go online to purchase new software for the Microsoft operating system. For macOS users, however, the concept of the Apple App
Store is similar in concept to the software repositories. Both contain trusted
applications verified to run on their respective operating systems. Unlike most software in the
App Store, the vast
majority of Linux applications are neither proprietary nor expensive.
The software repositories for MATE are managed, maintained and updated by the distribution's maintainers and are variably referred to as "the software catalog," "the software library," "the software center," "software sources," or simply "software repositories." These repositories contain almost ALL of the full-featured, free and open source software that has been tested for installation on MATE and other Ubuntu derivatives. And they won't put spyware and viruses on your computer!
To install software on MATE, you normally use the Software Boutique. You can also use the Software Center or the Synaptic package manager. When a Linux user says "package" think "software package". Software centers and package managers are examples of applications that are used to browse and retrieve software packages from software repositories. MATE conveniently gives you the option to install one when your search in the Software Boutique returns no results.