when I click on the rectangle and squares tool, I left click and drag and instead of getting a rectangle or square I get an ellipse, any ideas please ?

Hi

Try setting the rounded corners to 0 in the tool parameter list.
If you are using 0.91 you can click the icon "Make corners sharp"
You can also click on and drag the little circle on the edge of the box to adjust the rounded corners.

RGDS
Ragnar

thanks for your help with this ragstian and brynn. as a beginner i have some way to go, thanks for your help