Parents' computer, oy--questions re: RAM, OS, speed, etc.

My parents won't use their computer for anything except email, because it's so slow. I want to fix a few things for them. Specs are at the bottom of the post.
Questions:
1) Can this computer take OS X 10.5? If so, do I have to buy 10.4 first, or can I buy 10.5 and upgrade directly from 10.3.9?
2) How much RAM can I add? And what kind of RAM do I need?
3) Where do I find instructions on how to install the RAM? (I'm not afraid of opening up the computer)
4) Should I buy the RAM directly from Apple, or can I go the Crucial route?
5) Can I install Open Office on this computer?
6) What else would you suggest to make the computer run faster? (At first I thought it was just web browsing, and possibly a modem or connection problem, but other software opens very very slowly, scrolling brings up the spinny beachball of doom, etc.). I have a sense that they've not used the computer wisely, and have probably caused some slowdown just by being computer illiterate.
ANY HELP AT ALL IS APPRECIATED.
Specs:
Machine Model: iMac
CPU Type: PowerPC G4 (3.3)
Number Of CPUs: 1
CPU Speed: 1 GHz
L2 Cache (per CPU): 256 KB
Memory: 256 MB
Bus Speed: 133 MHz
Boot ROM Version: 4.5.9f1

Hi,
1. It will run Leopard - Just. But not in its current configuration. Min' RAM is 512mb.
2. Max' RAM on this model is 1G ( I think ). Getting it to that level is no 5 minute job...
3. Here is how to take it all apart...
http://www.xlr8yourmac.com/systems/imacg4/imacg4takeapart.html
The correct tools, patience and a steady hand are essential!!!
4. Crucial dot com is much cheaper than Apple for RAM. There is also a nifty little "scan my system" feature on there.
5.Yes!
6. All of the above will take time and cost money. Only you can answer this next question... Is it worth spending all that time and money on a computer that is several years old?
If it were my money the answer would be - No. For the investment outlined above, you are almost halfway to a brand new iMac. It solves all the problems in a fraction of the time. Plus the G4 is still a very saleable computer - Perhaps even the other half of that new Mac?
Other considerations...
Leopard will take around 9Gigs of space on that drive. I would guess that you have a 40 or a 60Gig currently. Open Office will be another large amount of disk space. The speed issue you have currently may be due to lack of free space. Going through all the hoops as above is not going to make things any better.
Then there is the reliability issue - There are only 2 types of computer on earth. 2 and only 2! - Those that have failed and those that will fail. The computer is around 5-6 years old now. Hmmmm?
Hope that helps a little and good luck if you do decide to perform open heart surgery on the 'puter.
Regards.
Ian.

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