What is it you want to happen? Do you want links to open in the right
frame? Then either use the <base> tag in the page with the links, or use
the target attribute for each individual link. Either way will ensure that
your links open in the right frame.
But - frames are rarely the optimal choice for your site's layout. The
reason for using or not using frames should be based on a) your site's
needs, and b) your willingness to accept the potential problems that frames
can create for you as developer and maintainer of the site and for your
visitors as casual users of the site.
I am down on frames because I believe that they create many more problems
than they solve.
Judging from the posts here, and the kinds of problems that are described,
the kind of person most likely to elect to use frames is also the kind of
person most likely ill-prepared fo solve the ensuing problems when they
arise. If you feel a) that you understand the problems and b) that you are
prepared to handle them when they occur, and c) that you have a need to use
frames, then by all means use them.
As far as I know, the most comprehensive discussions of frames and their
potential problems can be found on these two links -
http://apptools.com/rants/framesevil.php
http://www.tjkdesign.com/articles/frames/