I'm thinkng about buying some stocks in a company. Just testing the waters for now. I have never bought stocks and have no clue of how to do it. Any sugestions greatly appreciated, but I need the very basics for now, how and where do I purchse them.

You start by opening an account at a brokerage firm. Some banks offer the service, but there are a number of well know discount brokers whose ads are on TV daily. I have used a few of them. Most include a money management account to hold cash between investments. Once you open an account you can place an order to buy stock. As a new account holder they may require you to have cash in the account first. To do that you can transfer money from your checking account using a feature most brokerages offer. Brokerage money markets are paying good rates.

Their is also a program for people who want to make regular small investments. I have never used them, and do not have an opinion.