Barebones Linux Server Install

Question

Whats the simplest way to get a barebones linux server installed? barebones = just enough to get ssh and package manager.

Current I've been using CentOS with server install and removing any packages that I know i do not want installed.

But is there a better way? I just want a simple ssh shell + package management to start with. Hardware is irrelevant since everything is happening in a VM.

Answer 1

Debian Stable net install.

Once you have that installed and up and running, you can apt-get or aptitude install whatever packages you want. That's how I set up my servers.

Answer 2

If you have the time installing Gentoo will give you just want you want and no more.