Why VirtualBSD?
FreeBSD is a very well regarded OS but, regrettably, it's not exactly popular -- especially on the destkop.
Although other desktop oriented offerings based on FreeBSD exist, we are partial to the Xfce Desktop Environment and we have built VirtualBSD around it. Also, we used a custom theme and wbar to make it resemble a certain OS from Cupertino.
What Does Desktop Ready Mean?
It means that the most common applications are pre installed and you will find VirtualBSD to be very functional right out of the box.
However, this is a genuine FreeBSD 7.1-RELEASE, which means that old timers (and the curious) are free to experiment as they please in the knowledge that they are dealing with The Real Thing. In this respect, Desktop Ready doesn't mean Desktop Only.
What Are The Requirements?
VirtualBSD is a virtual appliance for VMware, which means you will need:
Windows and Linux: VMware Player, VMware Workstation, or VMware Server.
Mac OS X: VMware Fusion.
RAM: 1 GB for the virtual machine and possibly at least as much for the host OS (but check this tip to use less).
Disk: About 6 GB.
Why a Virtual Appliance?
Although the name has become yet another buzzword, virtual appliances are the best way to eliminate the installation and configuration efforts associated with running complex stacks of software. Better yet, since the hardware is virtualized, you don't need FreeBSD compatible hardware.
Where Do I Get It?
Why, from the Download Page, of course -- and don't forget to install Update 1 afterwards!
What Is The Username/Password?!?
The information is contained in Readme.txt (part of the VirtualBSD.zip archive) and displayed at every login screen, but it's been asked often enough that is worth repeating it here:
Username: virtualbsd
Password: virtualbsd
Root's password: root4u