How do you cook white rice on the stove?

I know this sounds ridiculous but I am serious. I can't make a decent pot of rice. It always ends up too sticky or gummy and all stuck together. Or it isn't cooked all the way. I am about ready to just go and buy a rice steamer but I don't really want another (as alton would say) unitasker in the kitchen so, please, what is the secret to perfect white rice cooked on the stove?