1. Something like this:
void Page_Init() {
WebPartManager1.DisplayMode = WebPartManager.DesignDisplayMode;
}
2. Yes, WebPart Personalization is saved on a per-user basis. The default is to use SQL Express, but this can be configured by editing web.config.
3. Start by settin WebPartZone.WebPartVerbRenderMode = WebPartVerbRenderMode.TitleBar. You may need to use CSS and/or JavaScript to get the exact effect you want.
-Mike
http://blogs.msdn.com/mharderThis posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no rights.