It Won't Let Me Do Something Unless I am an Administrator!

Windows Vista gets really picky about who gets to do what on your computer. The computer's owner gets the Administrator account. And the administrator usually gives everybody else a Standard account. What does that mean? Well, only the administrator can do these things on the computer:

• Install programs and hardware.
• Create or change accounts for other users.
• Install some hardware, like some digital cameras and MP3 players.
• Read everybody else's files.

People with Standard accounts, by nature, are limited to fairly basic activities. They can do these things:

• Run installed programs.
• Change their account's picture and password.

Guest accounts are meant for the babysitter or visitors who don't permanently use the computer. If you have a broadband or other "always on" Internet account, guests can browse the Internet, run programs, or check their e-mail.

If Windows says only an administrator may do something on your PC, you have two choices: Find an administrator to type his password, authorizing the action; or convince an administrator to upgrade your account to an Administrator account.