Well what im really looking for is a real quick distro. I downloaded Knoppix and DSL and tried them out and was amazed. Its fast! Its just what i need--the bare minimum. The downside is that I want to download and install other programs but DSL wont let me(PHP,MySQL, and Apache for local dev).
Im not a genius with linux at all. I was wondering if anyone would be able to suggest a distro that is easy but fast as light. I have debian but it comes with WAYYYY too much stuff! Any suggestions?

Is there any way i could install DSL or Knoppix to my HD and use it from there but still be able to install and downloaded other binaries/etc

This belongs in the distro forums

Hi. I have used a hard drive install of Knoppix for about a year and really liked it. I had a drive go bad and when I replaced it I installed Kanotix and am very happy with it now. My other machine is running Debian Sarge and it can be a little overwhelming for someone new but it will do what you are after. There are a lot of choices so I would search a little and see what suits you best. I have tried most of them and am now sticking to Debian based. Personal choice. I had better luck using Knoppix 3.7 than I did with 3.9 for my install. The nice thing is, you can try several different ones until you find the one you like. Good Luck in your search.

You certainly have contradictory demands. It needs to be small and fast, the bare minimum yet you want bulky extras as PHP,MySQL, and Apache.

My suggestion is that you decide between small and big.

As you have tried DSl I suggest you try feather linux and puppy linux which is 3-4 times DSL yet among the smallest.

Debian or Slackware would be great for you, you can install it with a light GUI like and install whatever apps you need.