Tables vs. frames vs. layers vs. popups

[MyrrhLynn]

Ok so I've been wondering: What kinds of layouts do big companies actually use? Which types are good and which types shouldn't even be bothered with?

Now I ask this because I know that some people (in the past or present) on here have done webdesign professionally. So I'm hoping one of you can help me. And actually I would't mind the opinions of all the other web designers who just do it for fun too!

Here's the basic layouts as far as I know:
Tables: These seem the best to me, although they can be really annoying to code and then constrict you to... well boxes, lol. But with my experience they screw up the least in multiple browsers.

Divided Layers: These seem like the lazy person's layouts. Don't get me wrong I love them. One thing I have noticed though is that they sort of move around a little from browser to browser.

Frames: Didn't the W3 discourage using these? So should people even make them anymore? They mess up in browsers as far as I know.

I Frames: I don't get how these are different/worse then frames.

Pop ups: Ok I don't get these either. Unless you are doing some flash website the page shouldn't pop in my opinion. I get enough pop ups already thank you very much.

So what's everyone's opinion? What's your favorite type of layout? And if I somehow am missing one please explain about it.

[TheMelodyMaker]

Uh... I like a layout that tells what's on the site and how to get there. In other words: If I get lost, I won't stick around too long. Does that help at all? ^_^;

[Ashley]

Layers and Frames are my favorite kind--they are the easiest to use and escape that boxy look of tables. Lots of freedom. My least favorite kind is the table--I hate how the CCS code sometimes restricts how you can align text or how big your text area can be. Hope that helps Myrrh!

Oh, and if you MUST use pop up, chromeless popups look very chic.

[shooraijin]

I'm just the opposite. I only use layers if it doesn't matter if the positioning is broken or the layer can move around. Otherwise, if something must be anchored in a particular relationship, I find tables to be the most precise and well-supported way, and works most similarly in the widest array of browsers and browser versions.

[LorentzForce]

Go with the tables. CAA uses them, so why not? And it's the most compatible/supported HTML code on the net.

Layers are fine, as long as you have no other alternatives, like making a floating thing. Otherwise, use tables.

Frames are a big no-no, because in long-term management of a website it just gets totally out of hand. That and it's not supported the same in all browsers. Iframes are acceptable, for they can be like tables, but do restrict their use unless necessary (like linking to a custom server-side script from a .html file, clearly requiring some sort of frame usage).

Pop-ups aren't layouts, they're just annoying little things that just makes everyone annoyed when viewing the site. CAA doesn't have them, why should you? Well, unless you're making a design portfolio site that necessarily uses fixed pixel size, then I suppose so (pop-up-ing a window that's at an exact size, and unresizable), but everyone hates pop-ups when they're browsing. Some have them disabled, so it'll be a bad thing to have.

Tables + CSS all the way. CAA does, why not you?

[Ashley]

CAA does, why not you?

I like the way you think Lorentz. =P

[glitch1501]

i like layers and tables, especially with css

i am also wondering what big companys use, but im too lazy to go look

[blkmage]

Use pure CSS positioning!

Don't listen to me. Use tables. It's what most people (organizations and individuals) use nowadays.

But I think I'll try that CSS for my next site...

[Madeline]

I'm lazy, so div layers seem best to me.
However, I think they require the same amount of work as tables anyway,(if you're as dim-witted as I am) so I think you've persuaded me.
Tables are the best. ^^

[glitch1501]

lol, i find divs harder than tables, but i am starting to like divs better

[Fsiphskilm]

I like all of