[geetee]

you don't have to do #7. The tie rod end can stay.
From what I've done, I personally think this is the easiest way. The boxster and 996 C2's are the easiest as no front axle.

1. Put the car on jackstands on both fronts only. It's easier if both front's are off the ground.
2. Remove the front wheels
3. Jack up one of the wheel carriers just to support it
4. Hang the caliper
5. Disconnect speed brake sensor
6. Remove the top sway bar link bolt
7. Loosen lower control are bolt. Hold the 15mm bolt head and loosen the 18mm nut 1 full turn. This will actually drop the control are far enough to removed the strut.
8. Jack up the wheel carrier some more to compress the strut and spring. You can get 175lbs zip ties at HF. Tie the stock springs on 8-10 places to keep the stock springs compressed. This only applies if you are removing stock springs. You don't have to do this if you have aftermarket springs as everything is shorter.
9. Remove the top 3 nuts holding the strut top.
10. Lower the whole assembly and remove the whole strut.

Assembly is opposite. After you reinstall, drive up a ramp and tighten the lower control arm bolt. People and shops forget to tighten this bolt under load.

I found this method to be the simplest. You don't have to pop the tie rod end out.