Desktop Managers

Hello,
I am using a fresh install of Ubuntu.
ubuntu-24.04.2-desktop-amd64
and I didn't like the desktop layout, so I installed Mate.
This Mate does not seem like Mate from the recent past.
I would even prefer the Raspbian style desktop to this one.
It is not easy to find programs, and I'm trying to set  up a starter system for folks used to Windows.
Would Mate installed on a new Debian be just as bad?
I then installed LXDE, but it seems that I can only boot up with Mate.
I ran the 
update alternatives --configure x-session-manager
and there are like six choices, and I have tried about all of them, but they all boot up to Mate.
Yet, when I go back into the x-session-manager, it appears that my last selection was selected.
I am looking for either Raspbian style menus or the type where we press alt F1 and have the three pull down menus.
Thanks for any help.
Glenn
 

It used to be wine, women, and song,
Now it's beer, the old lady, and TV.

Glenn K0LNY & WSAT439