Choosing the right distro
 

I'm looking for a Linux distro that will provide one with the most control of ones system and not screen one off as if one were the average computer-illiterate joe, which is what has been making me so sick about windows. I would also like it to be as simple and small as possible without pre-installed apps or GUIs, just the OS, which would be great for learning purposes as it is easier to examine the parts when there's less of them.

I've been using CentOS Linux on my server through SSH for about a year so I'm familiar with the way Linux works and the commands and such.

Based on the research I've done it appears to me that Slackware would suit me well. Would you recommend something else?

Linux from scratch will suit you the best way.

Welcome to LQ!!

I would look also at Arch Linux. My issue with Slackware is that they are a bit draconian about making you decide on ANY convenience feature. Arch has one of the best command-line package managers. My reading says such things exist for Slackware, but they make you work for it.

If you want to really get into it, try this: http://www.linuxfromscratch.org/

I would prefer Arch Linux and Slackware.

Depending on how much time you have, If you have less time use Slackware, it may be pretty much exactly what you want. If you have more time you could try LFS, it will take a considerable amount of time to build tho, but you will likely learn even more.