How do I make a simple stock purchase?

I have identified a few specific companies I want to invest in. I do not care in the short term (or frankly in the long term) if these companies make a profit or take a loss. I do not want to day trade. Frankly, given the nature of the investment if I lose money, I win and if I gain money I win. What is the easiest and lowest cost way to purchase shares? How many shares are typically purchased?

www.sharebuilder.com or www.moneypaper.com

This sounds like this will be a bit of a compromise because you don't have a lot of money. Wherever you go it is quite expensive to buy less than say 拢2000 in each share. Then say you want minimum 6 shares? that's 拢12000.
拢2000 costs 拢20-拢40 commission. ) 拢10 stamp. 拢5-拢15 Compliance or clearing charge, plus the Jobber's Turn (spread). OK, not quite as much when you sell. If you are a sensible investor how about looking at CFDs or options. Don't get me wrong they are no magic solution to success but will give you a bit of gearing. There is a bit of info on http://www.shareworld.co.uk or email them.

leading bankers provide less expensive on line trade

there are many online stock traders like extrade and scottrade. If you mainly trade online it cost about $10 per trade and you can buy as little as you want and it will cost the same amount. If you are using a human person it will cost you a lot more money per trade.