Need a linux install walkthrough

[quartekoen]

Okay, here's the scoop. Today, my mom bought an old machine for about $40. It came with no operating system, so I thought it would be a fine time for my to install Linux for the first time. Problem is, I have no idea where to start. I am hoping that one of the wonderful people in this forum can give me a walkthrough of what to do to get this comp up and running. Here are the basic specs:

This computer (the one I am working on right now). I figure you should know this in case the movement of the Linux OS is different based on what computer you first download it to. My guess is that I will download it here, then use some sort of install CD to get it on the other computer, which has no OS at all.
Specs:
iMac G5 1.8 GHz PowerPC
OS 10.4.8 (Tiger)
1 GB SDRAM

The computer I am installing Linux on:
4 GB HardDrive (ugh...)
350 MHz Processor (ugh...)
64 MB RAM (ugh...)
Availible Ethernet Port (not sure if this is important or not, so might as well include it)

I also have an 300 GB external HD that I can use as well if needed. Communicates via USB 2.0.

I would also like your opinion as to which version of Linux I should install. It will primarily be used as a school computer, for writing papers and doing other school related stuff. Obviously not for gaming...

If someone out there could please explain to me what I have to do to get this thing up and running, I would be eternally grateful. I hope I can provide more information if it's needed. Thank you very much.

[oz]

Welcome to the forums, quartekoen!

Take a look at the link in my signature for lots of information on getting started with Linux. Once you've picked one or more distros to try, post a new thread if you should run into any problems.

Have fun at Linux Forums...

oz