Standard Users

I have got 2 quick questions.

1. Can i assign a current standard user to have the same power as the
default administrator account. UAC disabled. This being said would an option
for standalone and network installation be possible for Vista. I totally
understand the necessity for disabling the default administrator account but
with a standard user account set to administrator, I still do not have the
authority to run self written applications slash programs even if the
programs are set to run as administrator I get lengthy no access errors. I
personally in my situation, of having a standalone one user computer, find
that the UAC is extremely cumbersome. Having the navigate through dozens of
settings just to be able to run applications.

And a little unrelated.

2. Where is the folder view options, such as hidden folders and files.

Thanks in advance.