A touchpad is a flat, touch-sensitive surface used to control the cursor on a computer or laptop. It allows users to navigate by sliding their fingers across the surface, making it a convenient alternative to a mouse. Touchpads often support multi-touch gestures, enabling actions like scrolling, zooming, and swiping. Most laptops, including those from brands like Apple and Dell, come equipped with built-in touchpads. They are designed to be user-friendly and can be customized through settings to adjust sensitivity and gesture controls, enhancing the overall user experience while interacting with the operating system.