1. What are a few good Crypto exchanges?
If you want decentralized one: bisq.network or robosats.org
Read more for some others one here:
https://kycnot.me/service/robosatsFor centralized but requiring KYC, it depends on your country. Binance, Bybit, Bitget are common ones.
2. what are some good Hardware wallets?
I can recommend Foundation Passport. Trezor is not also bad.
3. I assume that when i send crypto to my hardware wallet, i use the wallet address ? so any wallet i choose this can be accomplished?
You mean any address generated from the same seed phrase on the wallet can be used? Yes. It is even advisable not to reuse address.
4. from what I understand that when I use a hardware wallet , the crypto I purchase is actually not on the wallet but stored on the block chain? if so, could the block chain be hacked? has it before?
I do not know for altcoins, but for bitcoin it is not possible. Although, it is possible theoretically but not possible with the hash rates bitcoin miners are generating and with how a single miner do not have up to 51% hash rates. Even miners know that the bitcoin mining will be profitable for the. Than to attack the blockchain where they are earning money.
5. what is the most secure way to store crypto?
Cold wallets. Example is wallet on an airgapped device like this one and airgapped hardware wallet like Foundation Passport.