IMac G3 ? How can I install BSD darwin PPC 8.0.1 ?

Question

I've got an old used 2nd hand or 3rd hand malfunctioning iMac,
No CD was delivered, only hardware, mouse and keyboard,
I think it is ok, but I never seen it started or running,
it is supposed to be impossible to log in,
because one of the prior users
==> "has forgotten the password".
It is this computer model
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IMac_G3
At least this one looks exactly equal to mine.
Computer Model
imac
serial # YM0*****J74
Eternet ID
00 30 65 84 E0 16
350 MHz / 512 K / L2 64 MB / 6 GB / 24 CD / 56k
well the hard disk inside displays on attempt to install linux for PowerPC approx 40 GB.
I don't know if that has been replaced,
my family Number M5521
supplied handbook,
mac OSX 10.2
I have downloaded darwin BSD PPC 8.0.1
which matches Mac OSX 10.4
On attempt to install I saw some kernel panic.
I did try with OpenBSD and I did see
something like
#: type name length base ( size )
1: Applepartitionmap Apple 63 @ 1
2: Apple_Driver43*Macintosh 54 @ 64
3: Apple_Driver43*Macintosh 74 @ 118
4: AppleDriverATA*Macintosh 54 @ 192
5: AppleDriverATA*Macintosh 74 @ 246
6: Apple_FWDriver Macintosh 200 @ 320
7: AppleDriverIOKit Macintosh 512 @ 520
8: Apple_Patches Patch Partition 512 @ 1032
9: Apple_HFS untitled 2142310 @ 1544 ( 1.0G)
10: Apple_HFS untitled 2 4120589 @ 2143854 ( 2.0G)
11: Unused untitled 3 6330517 @ 6264443 ( 3.0G)
But on attempt to install darwin BSD PPC 8.0.1
It started, then it hang, froze,
and after several attempts I could read
kernel panic.
Can I install darwin or mac osx without the original CDs?
Can I boot from usb memory stick ?
I know how to use the 'c' key to boot from CD-ROM.
I don't know if DVDs are supported,
Can I connect an external USB DVD reader ?
How can i boot darwin from a USB memory stick?
Do i need to create a certain partition scheme
How do I create it ?
fdisk is known,
pdisk is still new to me.
Can I also compile and install the latest version of darwin or mac osx?
I'd like to get one of these installed
and I know how to use a c compiler.
http://www.opensource.apple.com/darwinsource/
Which one will fit on the hardware given?
Please ?
<Edited by Moderator>

Answer 1

"has forgotten the password"
From the information supplied, I'd guess that the machine has been loaded with OS X 10.2 (Jaguar). You need the 10.2 installation disc to reset the password.
It is not wise to buy any Mac without all the original installation discs, and any discs required for a later OS which may have been installed.
It won't boot from a USB stick or USB drive. It may be possible to boot from a firewire external drive running OS X 10.2 or later, or in firewire target mode from another OS X Mac. It won't boot from an external DVD drive.
That model originally shipped with OS9 and either OS X 10.0 or 10.1 (neither of which was worth installing).
<350 MHz / 512 K / L2 64 MB / 6 GB / 24 CD / 56k>
Presumably this is the specification printed on the underside of the casing, in which case 6GB is the original HD size. The model did later ship with up to 40GB however, and it's certainly possible that it may have been replaced.
One caveat; some 6GB models could only be booted from a 6GB or smaller partition, so any upgrade would have to be partitioned accordingly.
If you get hold of a retail OS X disc 10.2 or later (but not 10.5), BSD is available from the installer as an optional installation (with the main OS). It's unlikely the previous owner would have installed it however.
Can't help you much further than that I'm afraid, but I'm sure there'll be another bus along in a minute
Message was edited by: noondaywitch