Is using a named instance better over using a default instance?

If you were asked to install SQL 2005 on a machine, would u install a default instance or a named one? And why would u choose one over the other? Also, r there any issues with using a default instance?

Thank you for all your help.

Named instances allow for somewhat better server management -the names could reflect the SQL version. In an enviroment with lots of servers, various migration projects in play, and future upgrades, a simple way to know about the server is quite valuable.

For example:

Instance Name: LON_ACCT_Std05
Instance Name: NYC_HR_Ent05
Instance Name: DEN_INV_Exp05
Instance Name: LAX_ORD_Dev00

|||In addition, there is only one default instance on a machine. If you want to install multiple instances of SQL Server including 2000 and 2005, the rest should be named instances. Otherwise, setup will complain.|||

The other thing to think about is that the default instance name, MSSQLSERVER, is merely the defaul "named instance". No difference at all, but as pointed out, naming them allows you to describe them a bit.

Thanks,
Sam Lester (MSFT)