How to Use the Trackpad or Command Point on a Laptop

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By eHow Contributing Writer

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At the end of the 1990s, all major-brand laptops came with trackpads (also commonly called GlidePoints and touch pads among other names) except IBM and Toshiba laptops, which came with "dot" pointing devices (also called command points). When you're accustomed to a mouse, these other input devices can be challenging.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Laptop Computer

Moving the Pointer on the Screen

Step 1

For a trackpad, gently glide your index finger across the trackpad surface to move the pointer. The pointer moves in the same direction as your finger.
Step 2

Position the pointer and gently tap the trackpad to select an icon, text, or a graphic.
Step 3

Double-tap the pad (or double-click the trackpad button) to open an icon.
Step 4

To drag, position the pointer on an icon and tap the trackpad twice, but keep your finger down after the second tap and drag it in the direction you want the icon to go. (It's a down-up-down motion.)
Step 5

For a command point, gently guide the command point with your index finger to move the pointer. Push the command point to move it faster.
Step 6

Guide the command point in the direction you want the pointer to move. These tend to need a light touch.
Step 7

To drag, position the pointer on an icon, press the left button on the wrist-board (it's easiest to do this with your thumb or another finger), and then move the finger on the command point to move the icon. Release the button and the command point when you've got the icon where you want it.