I am trying to find a distribution that has very basic stuff on it, maybe less. all i want on it to run is an easy GUI, KVM in/output, usb memory, and a media player and will work with game controllers. all i want to put on it, and the only things i will use on it, is videogame system emulators, nothing i dont already own or anything like that, it just seems easier of a hookup than to have all my systems crowding my space. i am going to be looking at LFS but my knowledge base is extremely limited so that may take a while to achieve. also after everything i want is on it, id want to be able to make a rescue disk so if something does go wrong with it i have the distibution backed up with the programs i want and not have to delete any i will not be using. i know that is probably the biggest signal of how much i dont know, but i will be grateful for any help

I would look at any of the following.

Arch Linux
Slackware
Gentoo
Debian

All are geared towards more experienced users, but if you're looking at LFS, the learning curve for these shouldn't be formidable. I'm personally partial to Arch, but everyone has their own preferences.

Just to clarify, if you want a minimal Debian installation be sure to download the netinstall .iso.

dont let anything there fool you, ive got next to no experience beyond a little bit of use. all i want is something that if i turned it on it would have pretty much nothing on it, except things i would need to run the emulators. it wouldnt have internet access because its a desktop at my home and ive got no internet there. so far the only distribs ive used have been an i386 ubuntu and a puppy. LFS i may be able to stumble my way thru it, i usually have good luck if i put in enough time, but im betting that will be a few years of work. i am grateful for your suggestions and i plan on trying them when i have more time to use the internet

Just another option

Antix 8.5 Base Iso

Md5sum