Optimal distribution for your Apple iMac G5 Model A1145 is typically macOS Sonoma or later versions.
Optimal distribution for your Apple iMac G5 Model A1145 is typically macOS Sonoma or later versions.
I need to decide which operating system suits this setup best. Given the hardware details, a lightweight distribution would be ideal for educational use. A minimal Linux distribution like LXDE or LXQt could work well with the available specs. It would keep things simple and stable for young users.
Because it's a G5 CPU, your choices are quite restricted. It's interesting how a quick Google search reveals useful tips—like the article you found on Julio Meroh’s site about adapting PowerMac G5 for better performance. I tend to prefer Debian-based distros since I work with them, even though this preference comes from familiarity rather than strict requirements.
There seems to be no option to boot from a DVD in the current Debian release. You may need to check for updates or alternative distributions that support DVD booting.
The device is intended for running specific applications. As a PPC Mac, it won't be very effective. You could simply install a 2007 C2D iMac and add Windows, which would work with many other programs.
I own the same iMac you mentioned, and while I typically run macOS on OS X, there are many PowerPC distributions available. Debian recently stopped supporting them, which can cause issues with peripherals like Bluetooth and AirPort. You might be able to get by, but it’s not the simplest solution. I used Debian before and it worked fine—just avoid heavy web browsing, especially on YouTube, as it won’t run smoothly on a PowerPC machine.