Creating an empty rectangle with a border

This might be a very basic question, but I can't figure out how to do it, and I'm sure it's possible, because it's a very simple task.

I know how to do it in Fireworks, but want to use PS to achieve the task ... so basically want to create an empty box, circle or whatever shape with a border x pixels wide.

The way I do it right now is to make a black rectangle, then fit a smaller white rectangle inside it, and delete the overlapping black area, that leaves me with just an outline of whatever width I choose.

If anyone can help me with this ... I would really appreciate it.

Thanks in advance

On a new layer make a box using the rectangle tool (or whatever shape you want to make. You can use the pen tool to create your shape too.) Make sure you have the tool set to 'paths' in the options palette before you make the shape. Then go to 'Edit > Stroke' and set your preferred options.