Mac linux
 

What would be a good version of a debian based linux for a new user to linux to put on an apple g4?

Debian itself, or Linux Mint. Not sure if they work on that hardware though.

I'm not familiar with Apple products but Ubuntu might be a good choice since you are new to Linux.

Assuming the G4 is not one of the intel-Macs(last time I used a Mac it was a gen 1) you want the ppc version(I think).

Thanx for all the replies. It is actially you my brother who is a linux virgin. I did finally find the ubuntu lucid desktop live cd for mac and sent the link to him.

http://cdimage.ubuntu.com/ports/releases/lucid/release/