Your first question carries with it a lot of controversy and niggling particulars that others may be able to address with greater authority, but the simple answer is YES.
As to the second question, that's a whole lot easier because, in their infinite wisdom, browser developers long ago decided that there would be a need to keep track of spawning relationships amongst browser panes. Thus, if the SELF is the PARENT, but the SELF isn't your index page, you can redirect the browser window to the index page. I like to encourage the learning of these JavaScript techniques by simply pointing people in the right direction and expecting that their innate creativity will generate the ideal solution. So, here's a starting point:
Code:
<script language="javascript">
<!--
if (self==parent)
{
document.write('THIS PAGE IS PART OF A FRAMESET
If you are unable to see a navigation bar on the left,
click here
')
}
//-->
</script>
Of course, automatic redirection is also possible, but sometimes you want your visitor to be aware that they have accessed a page that is normally seen within your frameset interface; sometime it may not be particularly important that it be viewed as such. Giving your visitor options is always good. Also, including the navigational ability to get to the home page from anywhere is always a good idea.