Most laptop computers have a setting where you can disable the trackpad with a key combination. This is usually a combination of holding the Fn (function) key while pressing another specific function key (F1-F12) across the top of the keyboard. The specified combination for your brand of laptop can turn the trackpad on and off. On some computers, there is actually an on and off toggle switch, but these are less common. More information about your computer can be found on the manufacturer's website. You can also look into whether drivers for the trackpad from the manufacturer are used to address this process on your model of laptop.