Site/Subsite Hierarchy/Sturcture best practices

Hi, All -

We are new to SharePoint and would appreciate some sources of information on setting up site/subsite hierarchies.     We would be using SharePoint for diverse purposes - and would want it to be available for diverse purposes.

What is the source of information on setting up the sites so that access and security is done that is understandable to those who may not be tech savvy?

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks.

Paul