Here are 2 places you can download ready to use VMware appliances and operating system templates:
VMware Technology Network – Appliances – straight from VMware.com VMware images at thoughtpolice.co.uk You’ll be able to find many different appliances and images. Some of the more popular downloads are: Linux (Fedora, Ubuntu, Debian), FreeBSD.
Also check out VMware HOWTOs also at thoughtpolice.