Is it a laptop or a desktop computer? If it is a laptop and you have not disabled the touchpad, it can cause the cursor to move around if one of your hands brushes the pad.

It sounds like a "mechanical" problem, like some dirt or lint may be stuck under the pad. But check the "sensitivity" setting in case that's somehow been changed. Open Control Panel, then Hardware and Sound, then Mouse...try changing the sensitivity setting there. Otherwise, you may need to open the pad to clean under it, and I'll leave it to more knowledgeable people to tell you how that's done!

big_al, In Control Panel. Go to the Mouse Icon and Click on it. The Mouse Properties window will open. Click on the Pointer Options Tab at the top. In the Top Box; Motion, move the slider to the Left, a slower speed and see if that helps.

Thanks, everyone. Sorry it took me so long to get back to this. I made the change Richard suggested and will report back when I have an opportunity to try it out later today. I must have a super-sensitive touchpad, as I can send the cursor flying simply by waving my hand over it. I've tested this out; sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. The touchscreen on my Google Nexus tablet doesn't necessarily need to be touched in order for an action to take place; my finger just has to get close. My reasons for considering a laptop are partly ergonomic and partly--well, I guess medical is the best term. I know my current posture at my desk is wretched, and I'm hoping the PT I'm about to embark on will help. The scoliosis I've had to one degree or another my entire life has become a problem in recent years, and all my desk chairs end up becoming as crooked as I am. Despite having had carpal tunnel surgery on my right hand 19 years ago, I was informed by a neurologist last week that I now have carpal tunnel issues in both hands. (This is why I'd like to be able to use a touchpad for most things.) Although I love my two 27" monitors (I use Photoshop and Word on one, the internet on the other), it's just not comfortable to work at my desk anymore. Then there's the matter of brain waves. I researched my monitor purchases extensively, and these Viewsonics were promised to be flicker-free. But my brain says they're not. Some days I can tolerate more time spent looking at them than others, but other days they trigger an ocular migraine (vision disturbances--the "aura") fairly quickly. This doesn't happen with the Chromebook . . . maybe because the screen is only 12"? I also like that I can sit wherever I want with the Chromebook. I'm a fast typist and wasn't sure I'd ever adjust to its keyboard, but now it's easy--even on my lap. My Dell Chromebook, BTW, was a Black Friday deal last year. It's not high-end; I think the original price was under $300. I've forgotten what its specs are. I know nothing about online versions of Photoshop and Word, but will read up on this. I followed Girlnamedgalez's suggestion to check out the Dell website, and that was interesting. I'll go back to it again. The Chromebook is lightweight and pleasant to use, but I need to get back to writing and photo editing. I can't imagine doing the latter without a mouse (although I'm sure some people are skilled at this), and I do have a wireless Logitech mouse sitting in its unopened package. By the time Black Friday 2019 comes around I should be well prepared (some might say over-prepared!) to make a decision. Again, thanks very much to all for your input.