Administrator rights in Mac OS X

Rights (privileges) on a computer determine the tasks a user can perform and how much control they have. The computer administrator (who has all rights) can make system-wide changes, including installing software, accessing all files, and creating, modifying, and deleting user accounts.

To view your rights on Mac OS X:

1. From the Apple menu, select System Preferences.
2. In the System Preferences window, select Users & Groups.
3. Select your user account and view the right panel. If Allow user to administer this computer isn't checked, you don't have admin rights.

If you want to check the box but can't because it's grayed out, you'll either need to log on as an administrator or ask a user with admin rights for assistance. For more info, refer to your computer's Mac Help or Apple's support website.