Lets face it coffee is mostly water, thats why you should always start with fresh clean water.  Try to use distilled or purified water whenever possible, using natural spring water might actually effect the flavor of the coffee since it usually has natural minerals in it.

Your grind will depend on your brewing process, as a general rule the longer the brew cycle, the courser the grind. 

For example, Espresso is ground extra fine for a brew cycle in which the grounds are exposed to the water for a mere 22 seconds, where as coffee for a French Press is ground course as it steeps in the water for approximately 4 minutes. 

For best flavor, grind your coffee fresh just before brewing. 

Please don't try to grind your coffee finer in an attempt to use less, this will only over extract your coffee leaving you with a bitter cup (and attitude!).

Of course you should always try to grind for your immediate needs, like produce coffee is perishable and is best when purchased frequently in whole bean form.  

For a full flavored cup use roughly two tablespoons of coffee for every 6 ounces of water.  Of course this is subjective so after trying this method, adjust to taste.

Coffee is best enjoyed fresh!  Sit back, relax and let it take you away to a far tropical land...