how does one upload a avatar?

Well, first you go to the top of the page here and click on My Controls. Then on the left side of the page will be a list, choose Edit avatar. You can use the gallery of avatars already provided by the board, or you have the option to use your own. THAT avatar has to be on your computer usually in your picture documents in your computer. There are avatar sites where you can download avatars to your computer. You make sure the avatar from your computer is the right size and then you can upload it to here for your avatar for the board. Sounds complicated, but it's not. Try choosing one from the gallery until you find one online somewhere