Hiya chaps, I'm new to the forum

I've just bought a 97/P 1.6 16v Zetec Escort.

It has an idling problem though - it idles between 900 and 1100, and sometimes it revs itself between the two. A few times now, it has just stalled itself for no reason - usually when I have the clutch depressed or I'm sat out of gear with the engine on.

I've heard a couple of different things - I hear the timing belt may need tightening, and I've heard it may be an ECU problem in which case I should reset the ECU by disconnecting the battery.

I'm a complete car newbie to be honest - I'm 18 and I've been driving just under a year, and I was driving an old 1.2 Clio. So, basically, I have no idea how to do anything

Does anybody know what the problem is? If it is the ECU reset required, could you run me through it?

Cheers in advance,
Dunc.