Is there a way for the individual user to turn off images and emoticons so they just get a link they can click if they want to see it? Our board can get image heavy and those that don't have super dee dooper broadband because they are in the hinterlands get stuck in loading hell.  Thanks.  

Anyone? 

If you mean something like a setting or something you could do yourself easily: no, that is not possible. 

If you mean: could someone code that as a customization? Certainly. Then you should ask here: 
https://community.invisionpower.com/third-party/projects/

Thanks for answering Ralf.  I had a feeling there wasn't a setting since I looked really hard and that ability was missing. Shoot. We are still having issues with our upgrade so it will have to wait until we get those issues roned out before I look to add more tweaks!