How to get at that oil filter; 2001

I have a 2001 Chevy Malibu, I was thinking about doing my own oil changes, so I know the quality parts go on. I've been taking it to the Chevy dealer to do it, since I bought it new and had it under warranty. Now the warranty is up. I see the oil filter, but it seems kind of hard to get at, does anyone have any tips to get it off and a new one on?
I don't think I could get at it from above, and below it doesn't seem like there is much room to work, the frame kind of gets in the way. I haven't yet attempted it, because I don't wanna get it off and not be able to do anything.

My next question is what oil do you recommend for this car? Do the 2001 models come with synthetic or synth blend that I would have to stick with, or can I get conventional oil? And what brands are good, I use pennzoil on my other two cars, but I've heard somewhere that pennzoil is no good.

Thanks :)

Lay on the ground and look up just behind the black radiator deflector, there is a black long plastic panel that comes off with two wing nuts. That removed makes the filter very easy to remove. I only use 5w-30 Havoline & AN AC Delco PF52 oil filter. The PF52 is a little but longer then the stock PF47, but it fits perfectly and seems to keep any start up noise in check. The Havoline oil also seems to keep the 3.1L motor pretty quiet compared to other oils I've tried. I won't use synthetics, too expensive and not worth it IMO, the Havoline starts me right up at below zero temps. I do oil & filter every 4k miles, coolant drain and fill every two years, yes even with Dexcool! I also drop the transmission pan every 30k and I do use synthetic Trans oil, Amsoil ATF is the best for these delicate GM transmissions. 4 years and 66k miles and I have had no major parts failures.