Windows – VMware Windows and resizing the desktop

You cannot view the windows desktop as the "Desktop" in Unity (As @mankoff said, you can open it as a folder). The intention of Unity is to Run Windows apps "side by side" with Mac apps. This means the Mac desktop is the desktop.

I remember there was an option to "Show taskbar in unity" in a older version. Unable to find it in version 3 (did not look for long, anyway I think this is not very useful)

BTW, the way I use VMWare is only for application installs. All my data still stays on my mac (in a special folder if required) but not inside the VM. Helps me back them up, email them if required (even when the VM is suspended). So I never felt a need to see the desktop.

The "System Builder" version is intended for OEMs.

Basically, the difference boils down to the fact that microsoft will not provide support (e.g. tech support calls or live-chat) for the OS.

It is perfectly legal, will still receive all the patches and service packs, etc...

Here are more details. It's worth noting that I have transfered OEM versions of Windows XP (though not 7) between multiple computers without any significant issues, and generally if it's not activating, you just call Microsoft and they give you a new code.

Furthermore, since you're sticking it in a VM anyways, you should never really have to worry about windows thinking you swapped the mobo, and trying to reactivate anyways.

Off-topic a bit, have you tried running Internet Explorer under WINE? I know WINE supports IE6, and you may be able to finangle IE7 or 8 into working as well.