Get the right tool!!! I've done it both ways and having a snap ring expander is definitely the easy way. It's not an expensive tool in the least and makes the job ALOT easier. As a do-it-yourself'r you'll be using it alot in the future. Good luck.

I hang the axle from a vise (carefully) by the shaft and use ring expander pliers to open the ring. Tap the housing downward to release it. The problem I've had with the screwdriver is that it keeps popping free and may not open the ring far enough.

If you have the Haynes repair manual, you could refer to it. it has both decription and illustrations. I found that the separation of joint from shaft was the hardest step in my previous CV boot replacement attempt due to lacking of proper tools.
According to Haynes: Expand the joint inner circlip using a screwdriver between the circlip legs. At the same time, tap the exposed face of the ball hub with a hammer and drift to separate the joint from the driveaxle.
If you can get someone to give you a hand in doing this, life will be much easier or at least you need to find something to hold the shaft in place while you are holding a screwdriver with one hand and a hammer with the other.