How do I...?

I just joined today, and I'm having some problems with using the site.

1. I see some other people have pictures on their posts, but I just have a food icon even though I've uploaded a pic for use on a forum. How do I change my userpic to something I upload? and where is that documented on the site?

2. I finally found the "Technical Help" forum by trying to post and using the menu for "Forum". But I haven't been able to find a way to READ the forum... so, for all I know, this question may have been asked and answered 20 times already. The SEARCH box only tells me that there's no food called "Technical Help", or something to roughly that effect. -- And again, if it's documented, where is it documented?

If I were giving grades, much of the site would get 4 or 5 stars (0-5), but I'd only be able to give 2, possibly 3 at most, for Ease of use.