yes for all your questions.
read here what i head to go through to remove the axle.
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/boxster-cayman-forum/657887-rear-axels-rebuild.html
i warmly suggest to use the PB blaster couple of days before hammering the axle out.
don't forget to put on the nut, or use Harry's method with the air hammer.
another tips i can give you.
1. let the rubber boots warm in the sun (or use electric fan) so they will be easy to slide on the shaft. (advice i got from another member, and turned to be very helpful)
2. put all the parts (boots, CV joints and the metal covers) on the shaft in the correct order, and only then grease the joints, and assemble all the parts together.