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Did you not get instllation instructions with the siding?

In general, for hardie claps, the first row gets a 1/4" backer to kick it out.

Nails should be galvanized or stainless. I use stainless. 6d in length. Hardie will pretty much last forever, so why not use a nail that will last as long?

Nail 16", the same spacing as your studs. You want to nail through the siding, through the sheathing, and into the studs. This gives greater holding power and with the clap breaks (buyy joints between the ends of claps) falling over studs, good holding power. Nail over the studs especially if you have OSB sheathing.

Nailing location depends on if you are face nailing or blind nailing. If blind, nail 1" down from the top of the clap. Use 1 1/4" coverage to hide the nail heads. If face nailing, nail 3/4" to 1" up from the bottom of the clap.

You want the nail heads flush with the face of the board, not proud, not sunk. Flush.

When butting boards together end-to-end, gap them 1/8" and caulk or butt them lightly together. Do not cut long and snap into place as with cedar claps.

When nailing at the ends of boards at a butt joint, pre-drill before nailing.

Your first few nails may not go in well. It takes a few to get used to nailing into fiber cement. Grab a short cutoff piece and drive a few in to develop your technique.

Careful with the dust when cutting (if not using shears), have the wind at your back.