The description of these behaviors is termed the mechanism. When scientists are not provided with such a mechanism, then a description of a process, it's explanation, or it's understanding, is questioned. Astrology does not work with mechanisms. It works with relationships, patterns, tendencies, and interpretations. It does not always give a yes or no answer.
I hate the Drawing Canvas and I understand that it's not backward compatible, so I never use it. To turn it off in Word 2002 and above, go to Tools 4 Options, General tab. Untick Automatically create drawing canvas....
The selection tools are located in the Tools panel, which is located, by default, on the left side of your screen. In Photoshop Elements, you must be in Expert mode to see the selection tools. Rectangular Marquee tool: Draws square or rectangular selection borders.