If you're new to the world of Apple I would politely suggest you work with something a bit newer than such a ridiculously old computer. That would be like me saying "hey gang, got a 1996 PC so I can learn Windows on it. Any way to get more than 256 colours on this thing?"
It can't be from 1996 since the G4 didn't exist in 1996, but it's likely a 1999 or 2000 model which still makes it well over a decade old. While it's possible to run Mac OS X (much older versions) on it I can't imagine that you would have anything but constant frustration trying to use it for modern web applications or with today's demanding software (little of which will be compatible with it anyway).
Depending on what model you have, it should however be able to plug into a VGA monitor. Perhaps the video card has died and needs replacement, I'd suggest OWC (macsales.com) for your best bet on finding a video card that will actually run with something that old.
But seriously, you need to move up to a machine made a bit closer to this decade. As a Windows user I know you are used to (and perhaps enjoy) challenges, but this is a bad way to begin to your introduction to Mac IMHO.
