It depends on if you want to trade online or in person. Online there are reputable brokers such as TD Ameritrade and Scottrade. Or you can visit a broker in person such as a broker at Merrill Lynch and Charles Schwab.
a brokerage firm!
margin
You own the stock in your account - it is held on your behalf by your brokerage firm
There is more than one brokerage firm claiming to be the most reputable. The top firms according to Forbes are Meryl Lynch, Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, Paine Webber, and Bear Sterns.
Penny stocks, usually called common stocks, can be invested in for as little as $5 a share either at a brokerage firm or online. Consultation with a broker who specializes in penny stocks is recommended.
A Stock Brokerage or Stock Brokerage Firm.
There are several discount brokerage firms. Even big firms sometimes have low rates or a single low transaction rate. It is best to do research and find a reputable long standing firm.
I feel it's better to choose your own stocks and use an online brokerage. The prices are cheaper and I feel it's not that hard to research a company and make and informed choice. Often times, a personal brokerage has an agenda and will try to push certain stocks depending on who they are in business or in bed with.
If you own stocks or shares you can sell them through the original vendor, be it a brokerage firm or discount online broker or bank. Contact your financial adviser in order to sell your stocks or shares.
One can purchase Apple stock from just about any brokerage firm, including discount or online brokerage services. One can also purchase it from online sites as well.
An online stock brokerage firm is a company licensed to buy and sell stocks, and acts as an intermediary between buyers and sellers. It offers its services through the internet: its clients place orders online to buy and sell stocks, and the brokerage fulfills these orders, charging a commission to do so.
You can find a wealth of information about buying stocks by setting up a consultation with a local brokerage firm in your area to discuss your portfolio and what exactly will be needed.