how do I disable tapping on Synaptics touchpad?

I have a Dell Inspiron 1100. 

How do I disable tapping on Synaptics keyboard touchpad? This is a very annoying feature, and causes random, unpredictable and undesired results from even the slightest accidental brushing of the touchpad while using the keyboard. This makes the computer not practical for wordprocessing, data entry, emailing, on-line research or web-browsing. I already have a boat anchor and a doorstop, so it's not much good to me as is.

I would like to disable it, and keep it disabled. If this cannot be done, I wish to return the computer for a refund.

I've exhausted the troublehsooters. I spent 1 1/2 hours on the phone with a support rep and did find a screen to disable it. Since then, the touchpad has come back to life, and I don't remember how we got to the screen for disabling tapping and setting sensitivity. Tried everything I could remember or think of.

I sometimes use a Logitech optical mouse, model no. M-BP82. Can I install this device and still have the Synaptics touchpad disabled?

Please reply to .

I tried and got a loop which kept returning me to a screen saying "Welcome to Dell Support" and "Choose your need", even after making the choice. This needs some work.