When Fantastico creates the installation, it gives you an option to add a default admin user to Drupal. I don't see how to do this when you manually install. Maybe it is later in the installation.
yes your right. using fantastico you are only asked to give your "admin account" info for your drupal. the database configuration is automatically made/manage by the fantastico installer itself.
however if install drupal manually, you configure your database first during the installation process by putting the right information about your mysql account that you "manually" made in the CP. when installation process succeed your new drupal site will now then be ready for you in making your "admin account" (first account of your drupal site).
i'm not a pro on this, but i hope to be of help in any way i can.
