Difference Between Administrator and First User Account?

Using: Windows XP

I only have one user account on my computer (me), but I also know that there is a hidden (in normal mode) administrator account, as well. Logging into safe mode will allow you to see the administrator account, too.

So, my question is,

are there any differences between the single user account I've created during OS setup and the administrator account? I thought both accounts have the exact same amount of computer access? (i.e. my first user account is the admin account)

edit: does it matter which account I install drivers/service packs/programs under?

Thanks.

 

In XP, both accounts are members of the Administrators group, and share the same rights.
In Vista, the Administrator account has a level of access not enjoyed by any other user account.

Install TweakUI for XP (if you can find it!) and you can show the Administrator account on the Welcome screen in all modes, not only Safe Mode.

 

That Feature of Vista is certainly better as its much more Foolproof

 

So, it doesn't matter under which account I install service packs and software?

Alright, thanks a lot.

 

The only time I have used the administrator account is logging into the recovery console... As far as I remember the administrator account is the only one allowed to access it.

 

No, it doesn't matter.