How to replace failing hard drive?

My hard drive is failng, according to the s.m.a.r.t. status.
The recommendation I read repeatedly is to back up and replace. What I don't read repeatedly is any explanation of how to do this.
Is there a step by step guide? Where do I buy a replacement hard drive? How do I make a backup? How do I then restore the backup onto the new drive?
And it is possible to just copy the system in one lump to the new hard drive? Or will I have to reinstall OSX, download and install all the OS updates, and reinstall every application individually? And how about registered commercial applications, such as Propellerhead Reason and Ableton Live? Will they just work on the new hard drive, or do I need to de-authorize on the old drive and re-authorize them on the new one?
-Ron.

Hi Ronald,
Installing your own hard drive voids any warranties that you may still have. It also raises the risk of having future computer problems. You may want to bring it to your local Apple Store/Reseller and have them check it out. You may also want try sending it off to PowerBookResQ who can troubleshoot/repair or upgrade PowerBooks and iBooks.
If you still want to install it yourself you may want to look at iFixit - iBook G4 Hard Drive Replacement. You may also want to look at Knowledge Base Document #106941 which has examples on How to back up and restore your files.
Do you have an external hard drive? What format is it in? I suggest formating it in HFS+, but it isn't a necessity. You may want to download/buy SuperDuper. It is one of my favorite full backup, bootable cloning software.
Jon
Mac Mini 1.42Ghz, iPod (All), Airport (Graphite & Express), G4 1.33Ghz iBook, G4 iMac 1Ghz, G3 500Mhz, iBook iMac 233Mhz, eMate, Power Mac 5400 LC, PowerBook 540c, Macintosh 128K, Apple //e, Apple //, and some more...  Mac OS X (10.4.5) Moto Razr, iLife '06, SmartDisk 160Gb, Apple BT Mouse, Sight..

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