how do i install a new car battery?

[robfilms]

our 1997 ford escort wouldn't start 3 days ago. according to my wife when she attempted to start there was a barely heard whirring sound-not to be confused w/the click-click sound of the starter. she blew the horn and checked the lights and, though weak, had each.

i just got off a 3 day shoot and now i need to get the car back on the road. i went out this morning and everything was dead. no lights, no horn, nada.

new battery? i figured i'd pull the battery, find an auto zone type auto supply, buy a similiar battery and re-install.

have never done this before so what should i be looking out for?

will the new battery come charged?

obviously make sure i keep the positive-positive and negative-negative. anything else? are there better batteries brands or are all the same.

this is a 1997 ford escort wagon w/82k. it generally runs fine and it fits our needs w/the dog, kids, decent gas mileage low 20s+ in town and hi 20s+ on the hiway.

i just want to get the car up and running and not turn the battery into an ongoing headache. once up and running i will monitor the car to make sure the battery is holding a charge.

any and all thoughts would be helpful.

thanks in advance

be well

rob