Multi-finger Touchpad in Linux

Most notebook touchpads will support multitouch (Mac like) features in linux.
Touchpads do not need hardware enhancements, but just need software drivers to activate the feature on your laptop.

NOTE: Some Sony laptops may not work with gsynaptics. Sony sometimes use their own native hardwares which are not supported in linux.

In linux "gsynaptics" package does the trick.
You can even enable n-finger functionalities if you are interested enough (just google multi finger touchpad for linux).

The two-finger scroll features are default features with gsynaptics.

You can install it by apt-get :

sudo apt-get install gsynaptics

Goto System > Preferences > Mouse Preferences (or) Touchpad
to enable all the features you need.

In systems older than ubuntu 9.10 you might have to add a line to your /etc/X11/xorg.conf.
(It is a good idea to backup before you make the change)
Add the following line to xorg.conf under the section: Section "InputDevice"

Option "SHMConfig" "on"

Then you need to restart your X11 by:
# sudo /etc/init.d/gdm restart

The pinch and zoom-out features (seen in i-phone) are patented by Apple and so cannot be implemented in linux.

In older linux systems (If you get errors):

1) Create a system file and add few lines to it:

sudo gedit /etc/hal/fdi/policy/shmconfig.fdi

2) Add the following lines to the file:

click here

3) Reboot the computer.

Now your SHMConfig should be enabled.
You will be able to edit your mouse settings from the "touchpad" menu.