Why do you open links in a new window?

There is a myth that all external links must be opened in a new window. Most developers think that if a link points to another domain, it means that the domain is a competitor. The Webcredible suggests good reasons why you should avoid links in new window:

• Unless you warn them, web users are likely to expect the new page to load in the current window. Unexpected surprises can be fun, but not when you’re browsing the web.
• Using a new browser window resets the back button in that window. The back button is the second most used navigation function (after following hyperlinks) (source: useit.com9) so resetting it is a big no no.
• Opening a new browser window can be disorientating for very novice web users and for those who are visually impaired. They might not realise that a new window has opened and might struggle switching between windows.
• Using a new browser window is a little disrespectful to web users. If they want a new window, they’ll ask for one. Don’t force a new window upon users unless there’s a very good reason to do so.
• Using new browser windows can make an already cluttered taskbar, even more cluttered and difficult to use. We’ve all spent ages hunting through the taskbar, looking for the window we want. Don’t make this even harder by increasing the number of windows to look through.

Trust me: it’s all about content. If you have a good content, the user will come back by option, not because he was forced to do it. Don’t force your users do to what they want, don’t be evil.