I am looking to build a very minimalist linux box. The machine is used solely for file sharing over emule and bittorent. The machine needs to have remote access to control it, a web browser to browse the net with and download updates etc... and the ability to interact with other computers on a LAN (network file shares, etc..)
It doesn't need a web server, text editor, email client, media player or anything like that. There will not even been a keyboard, mouse, or monitor hooked up to it except for installation until remote access can be established over the network.
Currently I have the machine running WinXP with Remote Desktop to control a bittorent and emule client. I would like to improve the performance of the machine by using a lighter-weight operating system that can maximize the performance. Is there such a linux distro? Some sort of P2PLunix?

And no, this is not just to download porn and warez but other legitimate p2p uses.

Thanks in advance for any help

I think u can use any normal linux distributions like Redhat or Mandrake.U can select the programs needed by u while installing the Linux by selecting "coustom installation" and then select the required packages.Selecting popular
distributions will help to get help/informations more easily.

Moved: This thread is more suitable in Linux-Distributions and has been moved accordingly to help your thread/question get the exposure it deserves.

That said, a search and read would be more
efficient than 5 people a day on average kicking
of the more or less identical thing ...


Cheers,
Tink

See the first link below.

Preparing to install Linux:
# Choosing a Linux Distribution:
A Beginner's Guide to Choosing a Linux Distribution
Reasons to Choose or Not Choose Linux
LWN distro list
elinux Linux Distributions
# Freeware tools for partitioning/resizing hard drive partitions:
Any Linux Live CD usually have fdisk, cfdisk and other tools available
Ranish Partition Manager
# Understanding Linux Filesystem layout:
Directory Navigation Help File
Filesystems, Directories, and Devices Help File
Proper Filesystem Layout
Advanced filesystem implementor's guide (requires registration)

Do I buy a boxed source, download off the internet or buy some cheap CDs?
It's your choice! If you download, I suggest that you check the md5sums on the Linux ISO Images and make sure you know how to burn ISOs in Windows to install Linux
# Cheap CDs
AlmostFreeLinux
Discount Linux CDs
Linux Central
Cheapbytes
TuxCDs
ComputerHelperGuy
CheapISO
Os Heaven

can anyone recommend a good emule and/or bittorrent client?