A laptop touchpad is an example of what?

Correct answer: Input hardware

Direct answer: Option A, input hardware. A touchpad is a physical pointing device built into many laptops. When a finger moves across it or taps it, the device detects that movement and sends signals to the computer. The computer uses those signals to move the pointer, select an item, open a file or give another command. Because it sends information or commands into the computer, it is input hardware. Option A is correct. Option B, application software, means a program such as a word processor or browser; a touchpad is not a program. Option C, data file, means stored information such as a document, image or video; a touchpad is a physical device, not stored data. Option D, system update, is a change or package that improves software or an operating system; it is not the touchpad itself. The touchpad is also called a pointing or input device. Memory cue: devices that send user actions into a computer are input devices.