Preinstall linux on a powerpc harddrive?
 

Can I preformat a harddrive to boot from a G3 imac? The operating system is trashed and the slot loading cd-drive is broken, so I can't install from disk. I don't have access to any powerpc operating systems.

Can I use either Windows or Linux (I have each) to preformat the harddrive and stick it in the imac?

You mean to install linux to a HDD intended for use on another computer ... I don't know anyone who has tried but I cannot see any reason why not. You'de have to go through the installation with nothing autodetected (unless the installing machine is identical you see) and then manually configer each thing for the other computer (in this case, your G3 imac). It will help to configure the minimum, then manually configure everything once the hdd is transferred to the new machine. Your most likely trouble will be the X config - set a resolution and refresh rate acceptable to both computers. Another trouble will be the cpu - the two must be compatable.

Anyway - it can't hurt to try.
When you have done it - you could write a howto and get instant promotion to "guru" status :)

(There's bound to be a lot of interest as there are quite a few wanting alternatives to the standard installation method.)