Cropped your screenshot which leaves information out (such as the version). You can take screenshot of the whole Blender window with ctrl+F3, or window menu -> save screenshot.
You’re in perspective viewmode. Numpad_5 to switch to orthographic and it then matches what is shown in the tutorial (if that’s the one you’re following).
Note that Blender is mainly a polygonal modeler and its nurbs tools haven’t been updated in a long time. Doesn’t matter for what you’re doing there but don’t expect to be using nurbs in Blender. If you know you absolutely need nurbs capability and the reasons for it, look for other software.
I don’t even understand why I need nurbs yet or even what nurbs means. I’m completely overwhelmed but determined to hang in and learn the programme.
I have watched a number of tutorials but they’re so confusing so I need to do the actual step-by-step exercises otherwise it’s a bit like watching heart bypass surgery and then being handed a scalpel!