After upgrading the RAM to 512Mb, I tried to get several versions of linux – including the latest Ubuntu – to install, each time, the X server failed to run and once booted, the Imac refused to access the built in cdrom leaving me to continue the install from an external usb drive.

Then I tried a debian iso from http://cdimage.debian.org/debian-cd/4.0_r5/powerpc/iso-cd/, I used :- http://cdimage.debian.org/debian-cd/4.0_r5/powerpc/iso-cd/debian-40r5-powerpc-xfce-CD-1.iso

Hopefully, the xfce environment will suit the lower power of the old G3 platform.

As the installer ran, it recognised and continued to use the internal cdrom – it also saw the firewire as a possible network – full marks!!

Since then, I’ve mostly been using it as a spare terminal to access the openvz server – with both ssh and vnc clients.  its quite up to the task although in terms of speed, even the eeepc beats it!

I also have the pulseaudio package on it – allowing it to become the sound output for any linux system – virtual or physical – that also runs the pulse audio system.

Its happy to play mp3 files stored locally on its hard drive using Rhythmbox.

It boots quite quickly, so I keep it to one side of the desk for those times when I need an extra terminal.