Easy, but can be painful. It's a pull upwards to remove (put in second gear, then grasp tightly and pull upwards. Unless it's been glued, it will come off but don't be looking over it, otherwise you'll get a fat lip). Of course, if you are a roadster owner, take the roof down.
Most recommended replacement is zhp, although other options are stormwerks, or the lit ///M knob, or ask MM (aka Machine Monkey) as he does some nice replacements