So, my site right now is basically running like this :

- top frame with DHTML menu bar
- middle frame where all content loads
- bottom frame with 468x60 refreshing banner

I want to get rid of the frames because they're really limiting and don't help much when I want to change the layout of the site.

I don't know whether to use PHP includes or SSI includes, but I would rather have the option that takes up fewer server resources and whichever would take the least amount of time to accomplish - my site has many pages. My problem with those options is :
a) I think I'll have my own domain showing up as a referrer in my tracker and it might inflate hit counts in a tracker too?
b) I don't know if I want every page refreshing with a menu versus a static menu at the top. I.E., when a user moves from "index.shtml" to "newpage.shtml" the entire page will refresh instead of only moving to the new page (menu staying at the top where it is). Assuming I move the ad banner to the top, next to the menu, that may be a problem too.
c) Even if I kill the frame idea, I'd kind of like the content to be able to load within a frame because I'd rather users can have a scrollbar on the side as opposed to having to scroll down the entire screen. If that can't be done.. no biggie.

What I DO like about PHP and SSI includes is that instead of being limited to having a user have to go through a menu or click a link to see an updated page, I can direct them to newpage.shtml or index.php?new or page=new. Also, someone can link to a page on my site and instead of showing only that middle frame page, the new visitor will see the menu and all it's options - everything is constant.

Oh yeah, another thing is - my server only executes PHP files when they have the extension at the end. Any fixes for that?

To your very very last question: no, when you use php your extension must be .php or .php3 or whatever version you use of it (i heard/read somewhere). So you cant have .html using php. Nope that's not possible. because using php scripts in an .html page don't work. and it doesn't make sense either lol.

I'm not advanced with this stuff so i can't answer your other questions but i could answer that last one :)

Love,
Mirna

to the very last question, yes there is a fix using htaccess, but it would put more of a strain on the host server resources.

php and ssi would execute in the same amount of time considering they are both done on the server before rendering the page.

how about IFRAME for an alternative?

another alternative is to use a scrolling div area. the backdraw of this is each new page link would reload in the current window. iframe would reload only the new page in its own area.

as for the tracker, that would depend on where you have the tracker located. if it is on only the main page of your site, then it should be fine. if you have it on all of your pages, then you would probably get just as many as your currently framed site.

as for using a static page instead of a framed page setup is really up to you. both can be advantageous if done right.

Thanks guys!