Many students are intimidated by the idea of creating their own Web site.
They don't know where to start, they don't think it's possible or they think they don't have the time.
"Making my own site crossed my mind once or twice," psychology junior Maggie Burkhart said. "Even if I did decide to do it, I wouldn't know how to make a site. I wouldn't be able to do it."
But people in the know say that's all nonsense and silly talk.
The information superhighway might not be the big scary black hole some students fear.
MSU allocates every student 52 MB of Web storage. This space can be used to store files or for use as a Web site. But every year, many students don't use the space they pay for.
Computer engineering sophomore Paul Schmalenberg says making a personal site is easier than most people think.
Last spring, Schmalenberg decided to use his Web space to make a name for himself online.
Armed with very little knowledge of HTML, the language used to make Web sites, Schmalenberg said it took him only a couple of hours to construct a simple site.
"The first couple times I tried making my site it was really bad, but I learned more by looking at other people's sites and mine got better," he said.
Schmalenberg uses the site, which features a journal and pictures, as a new way to communicate with people.
"I can express myself differently (with a Web site)," he said. "Instead of always calling friends or family back home, I just set up a site."
So you're probably thinking, "Big deal, one kid says it's easy - now what?" But you can do it, too.
Set aside a half-hour and read what the pros have to say. Order yourself some dinner, sit down with your computer and introduce yourself to the wonderful world of Web design. With a little guidance from the experts, you could have your own place in cyberspace up and running before the pizza man gets there.
Step 1: To code or not to code?
Before you can design a Web site, you have to decide whether to delve into the sometimes confusing world of HTML coding or use a program instead, which codes your design.
"If you decide to work in raw code, it's more important to have some sense of how it works," said D
