Operating Systems
Administrator
Definition
An administrator account is a user account in Microsoft Windows that has full control over the computer. It can change system settings, install software and hardware, access all files on the computer, and make changes to other user accounts.
Why It Matters
The administrator account is necessary for managing a Windows system, but its power also makes it a target for malware and attackers.
Contextual Example
When you try to install a new program on Windows, a User Account Control (UAC) prompt appears, asking for administrator permission to make changes to the system.
Common Misunderstandings
- Administrator is the Windows equivalent of the "root" user in Unix-like systems.
- Similar to root, it is best practice to use a standard user account for daily work and only provide administrator credentials when prompted.