Some features of Active Desktop may let you do that.
"List view" is the name of the MS Common Controls component used for folder views (small icons, large icons, 'details', etc). I assume he wants a border-less Windows Explorer integrated into his desktop.
Actually, Windows has something like it already. Right click on your taskbar and create a new toolbar. Make sure the toolbar is 'unlocked', then drag the chevron onto your desktop. Right click and choose View->Large Icons and it's very similar to Explorer.