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I'd definitely try replacing the regulator first -it's a $20-$25 gamble, but in most cases it's worth it.
On replacing, it's pretty easy - but you MUST disconnect the battery first for safety reasons. Loosen the nut behind the arm on the toothed bolt. DO NOT TURN THE TOOTHED BOLT. Then, loosen the nuts and bolts at the other points. Depending on what exactly is the alternator on your car, the alternator plugs in with a bail holding down a plug or it is connected via threaded studs and lock nuts. Before removing, NOTE THE ORIENTATION OF THE ALTERNATOR. If you are getting a replacement, removing the old pulley can be a @#$@#$ if the new unit isn't equipped with one. When moving the pulley from the old unit to the other (and the pulley is probably just two stamped halves) note the exact, precicse order of all washers, spacers, etc when removing. Also, your alternator may or may not have a keyway and key. Don't lose it, it must be replaced into the new alternator.
When reinstalling, finger-tighten all nuts/bolts; then, use the toothed bolt to tension the belt; then, tighten all bolts and nuts to reasonable tightness (remember, one of them screws into the ALUMINUM, SOFT engine block. Again, do not tighten at the toothed bolt, tighten its nut.
I'ts important to use the correct belt tension, too loose is obviously a problem, but too much will very prematurely wear out the alternator bearing. A rule of thumb is supposed to be 1/2" deflection at the centerpoint between two pulleys at 12" - but I bought a tool to measure this with (a krikit).
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