text: what is a administrative account?   on windows xp there are two kinds of accounts: administrator and limited.  an administrator is full control of the computer and can set and change passwords, see anyones else login accounts and documents (not their e-mail), can install programs, and do other things.    a limited user is - well - limited.  limited accounts are used to keep people who are not familiar with pcs from accidently deleting or install something that they should not.  can also be used to restrict computer usage by minors and others.  most computer experts recommend that you run your computer using limited accounts, and only switch to an admin account when you need to make changes.  reduce the odds that you can accidently damage your computer by doing something stupid.  (and no, it is not fool-proof.  they keep making better fools.)