I don't read forums to look at your 5 meg avatar!!

This is to all the forum users out there that have no idea how to use an image editing program. I read forums to gain knowledge, not to look at your bloody huge avatar...
"But when I see it on the forum page it looks the right size!", I hear you exclaim.
That's because the forum has just changed the dimensions of the picture to fit their design, not physically made your picture smaller. If you Right click on the Image (your avatar, for example) and select Properties from the menu, check the size of your picture. If it's more than 20kb you need to resize it!!

Check this link... IrfanView.com
This program is so basic to use, and FREE, it allows even the most computer illiterate forum users to resize the picture they want in their avatar.

Step 1: Click File > Open (or the open folder icon on the top left of the window) and choose the big picture you want as your avatar.
Step 2: Click Image > Resize/Resample (or press CTRL + R)
Step 3: Type in a new size in pixels for the width eg. 100 pixels is plenty huge enough, smaller is better. Press ENTER and you're done.
Step 4: Save your file as a different file name by Clicking File > Save As ( or clicking on the little disc at the top of the window, or press S)

Now you have a nice small version of your big picture to use as an avatar. Upload it and make your fellow forum users happy.