New to Ubuntu, problems signing in

Also having problems typing...seems like the cursor moves around on its own accord.

probably need to install the graphic driver for your laptop. A notification icon should appear after a few minutes telling you one is available. As long as you are connected to the internet you can download and install it. The driver is required for 3D ability therefore needed to run the Unity user interface. After that a reboot should make you good !

As for the cursor, there is a known issue with the synaptics touchpad driver. I have the same issue with my HP laptop and decided to stick with 10.04 LTS because it is the only release to work correctly with everything on my laptop. Kernel 2.6.32-32 specifically. hopefully all bugs will be fixed in the near future.

Can I get an older version?

When I checked for drivers "No proprietary drivers in use on this system."

make sure to go to system>administration>software sources look under ubuntu software and make sure all items are checked then check for proprietary drivers again. there should be some. just to be sure though, what is your laptop model number ?

 If you don't mind me asking, where did you get your current version of Ubuntu ?

10.04 LTS (Long Term Support) is the most stable current version and is the one I recommend to newcomers because it's reliable. It uses Gnome 2.6 instead of Unity. You can get it from the main Ubuntu download page:
http://www.ubuntu.com/download/ubuntu/download

Just change the dropdown from 11.04 to 10.04 LTS. It's a good idea to check the MD5sum of the ISO before you create your startup disk:
https://help.ubuntu.com/community/HowToMD5SUM

The next non LTS version is due out this month (usually the end of the month) so you might want to try that when it comes along, however it will still have the requirement for the 3D accelerated graphics card.

Chris