How to install jQuery + Validator and get started?

How to install jQuery + Validator and get started?

Hello,

I am completely new to jQuery, and was actually looking to implement the validator ( http://plugins.jquery.com/project/validate) for a validator on my site with little hassle :P I need one page to have a contact form, and another to validate credit cards (and some customer information). 

I downloaded the file from the link above, and I don't see any step-by-step installation instructions on how to get started... where do I install jQuery, and how do I configure the Validator?

Also, how long do you think it'll take to configure this correctly?

One page on my site should have a simple contact form:
- email
- name

And the other, which will be the 1-click store, should ask for basic information:
- name
- address
- email
- number
- billing address
- credit card number

And this should be processed on the same page, with a confirmation, and simply sent to my email, where I'll deal with it appropriately (for now).

I saw that there's a credit card validator plugin for the Validator, is that right?  http://www.ihwy.com/labs/jquery-validate-credit-card-extension.aspx

Thank you for your time, and please excuse my ignorance :P
I'm a HTML programmer, and know little about JS...