Lining a wall for a complete novice

[Robbox]

The walls in the bedroom of our old house have been emulsioned several times and have cracks, holes etc all over. The old paint is a mid green silk. So I started sanding down the silk prior to emulsion with white. But it was pretty evident that this would need three coats to get the best coverage. So that led me to thinking I can beat the cracks, the silk surface and the dark colour with a suitable heavy lining paper. The only problem is I have NEVER put up wallpaper (watched my dad many times, as a kid).
So how tricky is it to get a good result for the complete novice?
Is there an illustrated guide out there?

 

[Robbox]

Another question, I see I have a choice of lining papers, regular lining paper, Mav Wallrock Fibreliner and VarioPlus Non woven lining paper. It seems that the last two don't require soaking with paste and ensure better joins. Is there much difference between the last two and would either make my work easier?