Should clicked links open in a new window or the same window?

When visitors come to my website, the large majority land there on my home page or one of the two main inner pages.

I would appreciate the advice of some of you experienced web designers concerning this —

• When visitors click a link to navigate to other inner pages, should I have the linked page open in a new window?
• Or should I allow the clicked link to open in the same window, thus requiring the visitor to hit the "Back" arrow to get back to the previously-viewed page?

(The website is the last link in my signature)

 

other pages of your site then SAME window.

external sites links it depends but usually same window pisses ppl off less.

 

According to Jakob Nielsen's Alertbox, opening a new browser window is the #2 mistake of all time.

Ok, the article's a little out of date. But pop-up windows are still considered to be hostile website behavior for many Users. Have a little faith in your visitors; they know how to find the 'Back' button!

http://www.useit.com/alertbox/990530.html

 

Thanks, that's what I needed to hear.

 

I open in the same for any of my sites.

External sites new window.

 

Always open in the same window. If a user wants to open a new window, he/she will.