I have been debating with a coworker....I like internal links (such as those in the footer text) to open in a new window, she thinks the same window. Whats better, or does it even matter? Remember we are talking about internal links in the footer text!
internal link as in it will link to the same site? if so, I'd keep it in the same window. If its a link linking to another site, I'd do a new window. (that's just my person preference though)
This is all a matter of personal preference and usability, because in terms of SEO it doesn't matter at all.
Why would you want to open internal links in a different window? That doesn't sound like very good usability. So if a person were to browse a few pages deep into the website they would end up having several browser windows open. Then to go back a page you would have to find the browser window you had open last. Perhaps you are just confusing the terminology...internal links are links to pages within your own website, such as link to your contact page.
I only up in a new window if I'm directing someone away from my site. That said it's a pain in Google Adwords when using the Site Overlay as they all have the same href (in my case #)!
we always think that we need to do as less work after visiting a website and we get all the information we are looking for.........think the same way as a visitor who visits your website and now wants to open a hyperlink....now to open it up in a new window he needs to right click the mouse and follow the instrutions..........but just suppose if he would find the things going his way then he would more happy and will visits the site most of the time.......... dont think as any one other except as a visitor..............