Older iMac, probably 500MB ram, maybe 250MB... I've not checked yet. It most likely has a 6GB hard drive, which I could replace with a 40GB one.

I'm setting it up for my younger sister (she just turned 5). She wants some games to play on it (educational ones would be awesome)... and maybe some painting things too, and a simple writing program (she is learning these things FAST). I just need the basics... you know. I'm sure Compiz Fusion would be exciting for her and the kids... but she does not really need it, and I think its probably not worth the speed compromise.

Anyhow, my dad was going to put Mac OS 9 on it and I think that's kind of old and maybe she would do much better with linux. As for me, I use Gentoo Linux and I really like it. However, we all know that she should not have a gentoo linux install. She needs something simple, small, fast, secure, good looking, etc. I would have to set it up so that she could not easily break her system doing things that kids do. As its easy for them to somehow make a Windows XP system crash, and I understand linux has its problems when those inexperienced are using it.

Soooo, what distribution should I use? Any ideas? I note also, it does not HAVE to be linux... I'm open to other options as well.

Thanks!
~Shawn

Well,i did a search for powerpc on Distrowatch and it came up with quite a few suggestions:

http://distrowatch.com/search.php?ca...&status=Active

If it was me i'd install Debian,but i'm biased.

I have never been able to have Linux work right on an iMac G3, and I have tried many distros. I have had OpenBSD work fine on iMac G3s, but that is the only free OS I could get working. Mac OS X runs but is a little poky. If I were you, I would pick Mac OS 9. Mac OS 9 has countless educational games available on CD-ROMs, which now cost only pennies on places like eBay, and it is extremely easy to use. Mac OS 9 even has the "Panels" option in the Multiple Users control panel to simplify the OS even further by just displaying a predetermined grid of applications for the user. It also has the Simple Finder option which is more simplified than the default Mac OS 9 Finder, but not as rudimentary as the Panels option.

Early this year I used the netinst debian to keep it at a minimum. Then you can add whatever else software you need. The Rage video card may be tricky to get right.

I've heard but haven't tried if you get OS9 on it and update the firmware, then you can install OSX.