I am designing a page, with tiny portlets. Now, I personally like my actions on the right side, yet I wonder if there are methodologies that are targeted about usability. After all, most applications are aimed at the user. What about yourself? Do you prefer information to be on top, on the left or on the right? I've you need to take some sort of action, do you prefer buttons on the left?

References to good books and webpages are very welcome!