sub- domains vs folders

[wesley]

May be a dumb question but I have a one word domain I want to develop. It has thousands of niches so I am wondering if it is better to use sub-domains or folders.

Specifically, I am curious about the resources on the server. Is there a greater drain for one over the other? I think it takes longer to set up sub domains than folders but not sure about that either.

Any suggestions?

[yogesh]

I don’t think it would take that much resource to setup and serve a sub domain. Having said that, I am not particularly found of sub domains.

At least for me they are tough to remember and if it’s the same site i.e. you are not using the sub domain to host another independent site, then why use it?

[wesley]

At least for me they are tough to remember

That's a really good point. I have to admit I hate it when big corporations force us to remember sub-domains when we are looking for something.

I have always hated the "period" in email addresses as well.

[gladiator]

Sub domain names to me are helfpful in the sense that you can create easy to remember domain names. They look also more professional than having a long domain name containing the exact folder and script.

[wesley]

You've made a good point too gladiator.

But what about the server specifically. Does one cause more resources to be used.

Also, what about the script. If you are running a script, do you need to install it for every sub-domain or folder or is there a way to install it once and it can manage all the niches?

[gladiator]

Originally Posted by wesley

But what about the server specifically. Does one cause more resources to be used.

You are basically working on a virtual host. The extent of resources use is equal to the sum of all resources consumed by each sub domain. One subdomain may utilize more than any of the subdomains in that virtual host.

Originally Posted by wesley

Also, what about the script. If you are running a script, do you need to install it for every sub-domain or folder or is there a way to install it once and it can manage all the niches?

Yes as far as I know. For one time installation that depends on your script. Usually scripts are independent from each other. For instance there is a script for blogging, for ecommerce and the rest with their respoective sub domain names.

[India forum]

Lol, Sub-Domains Vs Folders? both are important on its place.

Jay

[decent-lord]

Sub-Domain is better then the folders i think sub-domians look professional then the folders.