Newbie Installing O/S

Hi
Complete Mac newbie here and have just inherited a G4 without an o/s.

When I switch on at first I get a folder in the middle of the screen which alternates between and question mark and a smiling face.

When I try to boot from CD (operating system or G4 software restore) holding down C key I just get the same icon as above.

When I try to boot from CD (operating system or G4 software restore) holding down the option key I get 2 icons at either side of the screen. 1 is a bent arrow and the other is a straight arrow but pressing either one does nothing.


Any advice on how to install the O/S would be much appreciated.


Iain

are you pressing the C ket as soon as you press the power button, and keeping it pressed until it is clear the mac is booting from the cd

Hi louishen
Yes, I'm pressing the C key before I hit the power button and have then kept it pressed up to 5 mins but there is no sign that it is booting from CD