Crunchbang is probably a good choice, but if you want to be really minimal 1) Install debian, but don't choose to install the desktop environment 2) Install th

Crunchbang is probably a good choice, but if you want to be really minimal 1) Install debian, but don't choose to install the desktop environment 2) Install the programs you want, e.g. 'sudo apt-get install xorg openbox chromium' 3) When you want to browse the web, run 'startx' I've switched to running my personal laptop and work desktop this way. Granted I'm not a typical user, but it's surprised me how much of the modern linux desktop I can strip away and still have a pleasant experience.