Nah, he wouldn't need to activate Windows just to perform the test. Even if he did he'd just have to call up to get the code from Microsoft. Annoying, but not debilitating.

Make an accomplishments section on your resume and list some of the things you've done as major class projects. You don't have to mention that they were class projects in the resume. When the interviewer asks about it you can go into all the details and show them just how knowledgeable you are even without real-world experience.

Damn you, science!