So you've found the nickname you wanted,and you want to make sure you can have the freedom to use it.And you want to make sure that no one can impersonate you. Followthese simple steps and you'll be all set ;)
1.) This is easy. Make sure your nickname is the oneyou want.
2.) Register! /msg nickserv register passwordyouwant
3.)Remember! You have to use whatever nick you register at least once in every twenty days, or it becomes up for grabs again, I've lost quite a few nicks that I valued by being lazy this way :P
~Using your registered nick~
When you connect with a nick after you've registered, you will be prompted to identify yourself. You do this by typing /msg nickserv identify yourpassword
What if someone else is using your registered nickname? If someone is rude enough to be using your nickname, you can /msg nickserv ghost yournickname yourpassword
Whoever is using yournickname at that moment will be briefly booted from IRC, thatmeans you'll be able to get your nick back :)