I am wondering if there is a linux distro that has only
the basic system programs,
ie, account management, networking, power management, ect.

and if possible with a KDE like desktop.
Or alternatively links to resources for creating one.

Thanks enaknonnel.

edit:
preferably able to run off a usb, or LiveCD

You can try Ubuntu...
Or maybe Slack Live CD...

if your looking for a basic Linux system try these

Vector Linux
http://www.vectorlinux.com/

DSL
http://www.damnsmalllinux.org/

Puppy Linux http://www.puppylinux.org/user/viewpage.php?page_id=3

Slackware http://www.slackware.com/

SLAX Live CD http://www.slax.org/

BeaFanatIX http://bea.cabarel.com/

Elive: http://www.elivecd.org/

Deli http://delili.lens.hl-users.com/

Luit Linux http://luitlinux.sarovar.org/

First, KDE is almost always going to have a gazillion packages installed with it. I was messing with a KDE install the other day and was uninstalling several irrelevant programs via adept. When I restarted, X would not start, and simply froze after signing in. I didn't uninstall anything super important, messed with it for a few minutes, got annoyed and uninstalled it.

Just looking at what you want, I'd say DSL. Not sure if it has finance software by default, but it should be easy enough to install.

IGF

Enakonnel - You might like to have a look at the new PCLinuxOS Business Edition, just completing preparation. It does run as LiveCD, or installs. It has Std KDE, without the buckets of Extras the PC-User version comes with, and doesn't include Beryl, but does have office, accounting, and business management apps and tools.

You'll be able to add Gimp and all other apps you might also need via the very easy to use Synaptic - there are many thousands of apps, tools, utilities, etc, in the Repository.

Just Select in Synaptic, D/Ls and installs are automatic, with all libs and dependencies already correctly configured by Tex and the Team.

There will also be a Server Version, to suit small to medium networks.

PCLOS is at > www.pclinuxos.com <

The Forum is extremely helpful at all User ability levels. It's Family Rated, so is very safe to allow your kids to use.

Regards, Dave.