Updating an inherited computer in simple terms

My 95-year old father has inherited a G4 iMac from a friend. It currently runs OS 9. something, and I've sent him a set of OS 10.4 disks. The computer name in his friends name and the admin privilege password was set by his deceased friend--so unreachable outside of seances. He is worried that he will lose everything in doing an OS install, but would love to have the newer system, including more recent versions of Safari, etc. Can anyone send VERY simple instructions that I can send him on resetting his computer name, user settings and admin password, so he will not freak out in doing this.

"I've sent him a set of OS 10.4 disks."
Retail version? If your father did not also receive the System Install DVDs that originally came w/the computer then he can obtain replacement System Install & Restore CD/DVDs from Apple's Customer Support - in the US, (800) 767-2775 - for a nominal S&H fee. You'll need to have the model and/or serial number of your Mac available.
If you're not in the US, you may need to go through the regional Apple Store that serves your location to find the contact number. Here's a list of links to all of those -
http://store.apple.com/Catalog/US/Images/intlstoreroutingpage.html
The above DVDs are needed to troubleshoot and to change passwords. Otherwise, your father inherited a glorified door stop.
"Can anyone send VERY simple instructions that I can send him on resetting his computer name, user settings and admin password, so he will not freak out in doing this."
See the following Article:
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1274 Mac OS X: Changing or resetting an account password

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Updating an inherited computer in simple terms

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