I am trying to learn how to use the mod tool but I am running into problems when I try.  All the tutorials use 1 format for the interface but when I download it or open it after an update sometimes It will be a completely different one where the move and pan buttons are gone and instead its a 4 view screen.  This is somewhat frustrating me and I set it to default and I still have the same screen.  Is there a way to change it back to the original one in the tutorials such as guitarrmatey and noesis or do I have to re download and try again?  Thanks a lot.

To maximize the 3d window all you have to do is click the box on the upper right of the window. The box within a box is supposed to signify the maximizing of the window. Additionally, the button to the upper left marked A, B, C, D for their respective window will mute the other windows when they are pressed.

Pan/Dolly/Orbit, The S key does all that. Hold it down or press it fast to engage the tool.  The right button orbits, the left buttom pans and the middle button dollys. In addition you can use "F" for frame selection and "A" for frame all and "R" for reset camera. This helps since the Dolly/Orbit share a  focus point which limits how far you can dolly in. You can select objects in the explorer window(press 8) and then frame selection to make it really easy to manuver around your 3d meshes. You can also use the pan tool creatively to move the focus around. Once you get used to using the S key with the F,A,R keys you will find that its much faster than using the interface.

If you notice that the aspect ratio doesn't fill the whole window then you are probably using a camera to view the 3d scene. You can change the windows mode to user view by selecting the menu next to the A,B,C,D button-- The user view doesn't have the problems that go along with using cameras but cameras are used for rendering which is why they exist.

I believe the original poster's confusion may come from which mode the Mod Tool is in. I believe what you want to do is go to the Modes menu at the top and select either Mod Tool or XSI Default, depending on which mode you are seeking.

Thanks for the advice and now I see how to change it back.