Thanks, I appreciate your speedy response.. can you enlighten me on updating my avatar or is this restricted as well for the time being?
It's not possible until you become a Full Member, you'll be able to do from that from your profile => Forum Profile Information when you upgrade.
To become a full member you will need
100 120 activity and 100 merit.
You will earn merit by making good posts
100 120activity by making posts every week for some months.