a few questions

Hi,

I have taken a break from Linux but have always used debian. Now I am
getting back into along with my wife with the goal of switching from windows
to Linux full time. We are going to stick with debian as we like what it
offers but my questions are which is better mate or gnome to use. I would
like so pros and cons if possible. What programs do you think are a must and
why? Also when I install gnome cause it uses pulse speakup stops working is
there a good way to fix this?