file upload

This code uploads the file to the path specified AND in the same directory as the script. I dont want it in the directory with the script, just the file path specified. Let me know whats up with it. Thanks.



copy($HTTP_POST_FILES['avatar'] ['tmp_name'],
$HTTP_POST_FILES['avatar'] ['name']);
copy("$avatar", "/var/www/html/forum/avatars/$username.gif");

not knowing what $avatar is this is a guess.

<?php
copy(
$HTTP_POST_FILES['avatar'] ['tmp_name'],
"/var/www/html/forum/avatars/$username.gif"
);
?>

$avatar is on the previous page before the one with the upload code; it is the name of a file input type.