[Culaelin]

Ok, this may sound stupid but i have no idea how to "Specify an image file file begining with http://, max size 100x100 pixels". Beginning with http://? Where do you get the http:// of a pic? Sorry if this is a really stupid question - i just joined so im not really sure how to go about doing stuff..

[Robbie]

Firstly, make yourself a picture (that is about 80 by 80 pixels. Most people do this by copying a picture of the internet - find a picture you like, right-click with the mouse over the picture and choose save picture as, save to your c: drive on the computer. Then use imaging, paint or some other drawing tool, copy a section 80x80 and then save this as a new file).

Next stage is to find yourself a host. Several people go to www.photobucket.com and follow their instructions. Upload the file. Then go to your profile, photobucket will tell you what URL to type in. This url will begin http://

And Bob's your uncle. Sounds complex, but have a play and you'll get the hang of it.

[Duchess]

What if you have no clue how to do the picture in the first place? Oh I can go find a pic I like and save it to my computer, but the rest of what you said was greek to me! lol

[Robbie]

Do you have a windows computer? If so - which one? (Click "Start", what does it say up the left hand side?)

If you don't have a start button, but are running Windows, it's Win 95. If you have a start button but it says nothing, Windows NT, or XP in Classic Mode.

But let's start with that and we can go from there. Step by step.

[Culaelin]

I got it! Thanks!

[Duchess]

I have Windows98.

Sorry I didn't come back here sooner and check for a reply. I have been sick and consoling myself with reading lots of fanfic. *vbg*

I have the "notify me" box checked this time for when you reply. Or you could just email me, if you still want to help me. My addy is

Aprilduchess@yahoo.com

[Robbie]

1) I'll post here - so anyone else wanting to do the same thing can follow.

2) Please don't use colours in posts unnecissarily.

3) Windows 98 - I'll refresh myself on this before giving you the instructions - just need to fire another computer. Will do this tomorrow...

[Duchess]

I'm sorry, I thought it was okay to use the color option, I'll stop.

[Robbie]

One user (not sure that she still visits) asked for people to not use the colour option unless important. There is a sticky about it.

But, back to your question.

OK, "Paint" in Windows 98 will allow you to play with .gif and .jpg files. So, follow these stages.

1) download the picture you want to use as part of as your avatar. Do this by locating the website with the picture, right-click on the picture and choose "save picture as". Save to your computer, probably in "my Pictures". (If right-click does not work, there are easy ways round it, gain, post here).

2) Go to start->programs->accessories->paint.

3) Open the picture. This is where you get arty - you ned to select the portion of the picture you want (using the selection tool - little grey rectangle on the left). Choose "Edit->Copy to" and save that as a new files. Close current file, open the picture you just saved. Re-size (using "skew"), colour (using the pen) etc. just make it how you want, aim for a size of 80x80.

4) Save the final picture as jpg or gif. Preferably gif.

frtg <- that was the cat typing.

5) If you have free hosting with your ISP, give them a ring and ask them how to use it. If you don't, check out Photobucket. I can't really help with either, but you'll find more online (or post here - someone might be able to help).

6) Go to your profile and update, pointing to the picture.

Hope that helps.

(Excuse all typos, the cat is sitting in front of the screen, and occationaly on the keyboard. So I can't see what I'm doing!)

[Duchess]

LOL Cute, your kitty likes to help you type. Cats are very wise, regularly typing out code like that. *says me who regularly lets my kitty wrap herself around my neck while I do various tasks*

Okay, I have to admit that reading your directions sent me into a minor panic attack. I have no clue how to do this stuff so I'm probably going to whimper to my little (read younger as both tower over my head) brothers to help me do this.

Thanks sooooo much for the directions! Since they're both computer whizzes they should have no trouble. I, on the other hand could probably kill my computer trying to do what you typed up so simple looking. lol

[Moralanqua]

There is also a thead somewhere on the board where people who have better software will make you an avvie if you know roughly what you want.

Me and Thuriniel are 2 members offering.

We wont host the images though, you still need something like

www.photobucket.com

(Its easy and quick and free)

You put the avvie on photobucket, they give you and URL, you come here and paste that URL into your Profile where it asks. Thats it.

[Duchess]

I have a friend who is making me an avatar, hoping he can do the slide show kind as I have three pics chosen for it. *crossing fingers* He will also host it for me.