There are revised instructions on page 3 of next months' MPH on how to join the forum. I've been meaning to re-write them for a while, but have only just got round to it.
Furthermore, the actual procedure of registering is now much easier to make life simpler for older members.
Also, when you register for the first time on the forum, you are automatically e-mailed instructions on how to upgrade, and they also become part of your homepage. They are also listed in the FAQ section.
Don't forget. As a VOC Member, you see an entirely different home-page that a non-Member would see.