Hi, it's okay to tuch the bulb, it's not like a haligen lamp. But you must rub it clean fter with soft fabric like what you would glean glasses with. You oily finger prints will burn onto the bulb and block the light.
Gordy, It doesn't matter what sort of socket a HPS or MH fits into you need a ballest, to regulate the electric current.
These are the basics, if you have never used HPS/MH lighting your best bet is to buy a compleat kit from the hydro store.