A touchpad is a flat, touch-sensitive surface on a laptop computer that you move your finger across to control the cursor on the screen. Instead of using a separate mouse, you slide your finger on the touchpad to move the pointer, tap once to click, and tap twice to double-click. Most touchpads also respond to gestures: you might use two fingers to scroll down a webpage or pinch to zoom in on a photo.

Touchpads became standard on laptops in the 1990s because they solved a practical problem. When you're working on a laptop in cramped spaces like an airplane seat or a café table, there's often no room for a mouse. The touchpad is built right into the laptop, just below the keyboard, so it's always there when you need it.

Learning to use a touchpad takes practice. At first, your cursor might jump around or click things accidentally. But once you get the hang of it, using a touchpad becomes second nature. Some people prefer a mouse for precise work like drawing or gaming, while others love the convenience of never needing an extra device. Many desktop computers now also work with external touchpads as an alternative to a traditional mouse.