You can configure how the touchpad behaves, probably through control panel or an application already installed.
Thanks. After much swearing and playing with teh google I couldn't find a fix that would work with this particular laptop, so I went to the Asus downloads area and downloaded a touchpad upgrade, and while installing it, it asked me if I wanted to remove the (stupid fucking) 'Smart' Gestures feature. Oh joy and tears of happiness!! My laptop is finally working.
treezz
wow you are a ass