Possible Duplicates:
Is there a way to turn off “auto-maximize”?
How to keep programs from launching maximized? 11.04
On a small netbook screen, it's useful to have windows maximized by default. However, on two separate machines with full-sized screens, Unity doesn't seem to realize that always opening browser windows maximized is just annoying.
How can I teach Unity the error of its ways? On a full-sized screen, I don't want Unity to auto-maximize any window, unless I happen to configure it to do so for a particular window (which is unlikely).
(By the way, I'm running Natty.)
There are two things you can do to manage unity and its maximizing, although neither are 100% efficient.
Firstly use dconf-editor and switch the setting
Desktop > Unity > 'Form Factor'to DesktopSecondly you can use CCSM (compizconfig-settings-manager) and change the 'Place Windows > General > Placement Mode' to Smart - or which ever option works best for you.
Unfortunately I'm under the impression that this behavior is a feature, not a bug, to encourage us to use multiple desktops rather than clutter a single one.