Ubuntu

Touchpad and Mouse duplication

Asked by Jim Paton

I want to be able to turn off my touchpad when I use my external USB optical mouse. I can do so in XP, but I can't find a way with Ubuntu 7.04. Unfortunately I need to use the graphical interface, as I am illiterate with typed instructions. My installation is an upgrade from a standard 6.10 installation from a Canonical CD. (I did not try to solve the problem with version 6.10). I suspect there is a way using the graphical interface, similar to XP where one can bring up a list of hardware connected with the core system, and manipulate the properties associated with each.

I have just found Question #131, asked on 2005-11-15 by hooffie whose answer showed me how to access the /etc file. I opened xorg.conf, and found these two Sections
Section "InputDevice"
 Identifier "Configured Mouse"
 Driver "mouse"
 Option "CorePointer"
 Option "Device" "/dev/input/mice"
 Option "Protocol" "ExplorerPS/2"
 Option "ZAxisMapping" "4 5"
 Option "Emulate3Buttons" "true"
EndSection

Section "InputDevice"
 Identifier "Generic Keyboard"
 Driver "kbd"
 Option "CoreKeyboard"
 Option "XkbRules" "xorg"
 Option "XkbModel" "pc105"
 Option "XkbLayout" "us"
 Option "XkbOptions" "lv3:ralt_switch"
EndSection

There does not seem to be a separate section for the Synaptics TouchPad installed in my ACER Aspire 3500 Notebook. But it is working while the USB mouse is also working, and it is very hard to keep my wrist away from the touch pad while typing. Sorry this is so long!

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Launchpad Janitor (janitor) said : 		#1

This question was expired because it remained in the 'Open' state without activity for the last 15 days.

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Jim Paton (jimplinux) said : 		#2

Can I re-open this problem?
The problem is still there, and I don't know of any further information which I could give to help answers.
Maybe it is unsolvable. In that case I would simply like to know.
Thanks,
Jim

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Jim Paton (jimplinux) said : 		#3

It seems no-one has an answer.

I had better just let my question expire.

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Jim Hutchinson (jphutch) said : 		#4

Open up the Synaptic Package Manager (system -> admin) and do a search for "synaptics" (probably coincidence regarding the names but I don't know). Anyway, there are a couple programs that help you configure your touchpad - gsynaptics, ksynaptics, qsynaptics. I use gsynaptics and there is an option to enable the touchpad. Uncheck that and the touchpad should be off.

That might be installed by default, I can't remember. If so (or after you install it) you will find it under system -> preferences -> touchpad.

There is also a way to map a key sequence to turn on and off the touchpad but the only way I know involves a bit of scripting and such so it may not be something you want to mess with. If you are interested, I'll find the directions. Otherwise, the gui tool should suffice.

Hope that help.

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MsiaGuy (hoonguan) said : 		#5

I also need this help.

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