I found the problem, in the mouse settings "center button click" was enabled. I disabled it.
Problem solved. I guess maybe the free version didn't have that feature. Evidently, enabling the center click button on the mouse, allows you to click on the drawing anywhere you like and it will center on that point. Some folks might find that helpful but it was about to make me go blind.

Thank you for your response.

Hello 2nd post here.
I just upgraded to pro from the free version Now when I use the scroll wheel to orbit as I am accustomed to, at the first click the page automatically centers on wherever the curser happens to be. I suppose this could be a nice feature but I would really like to go back to the old way of just going into orbit mode without auto centering.
Any help would be welcome.

Thanks

Hello all
just joined tonight.
been using sketchup for a few years, I've learned enough to get by but I want to learn some new chops. I've gone stagnant in my learning, happy to find this site. Picked up a coupla things from the "tips for new user thread" already.
I've been using the program long enough to be an intermediate user I guess but it seems my skill level is probably "beginner".
I seem to be familiar with the components, groups, exporting 2d drawings and I've gotten fairly handy with all the tools but..............
short list of stuff to learn would be, layers, plug ins, space mouse? go to pro version?
layout?
I'm a cabinetmaker not a computer jock and an old fart at that. A bit intimidated by all the info on this site. Any guidance to particular posts would be welcome, until then I'll just continue plowing through that newby tip section.

Thanks
Sandy Jackson