Matt.
with this linux thing i think often the only thing to do is dive in and try a few distros.
i would definetely try zorin,,maybe puppy too or lubantu.
but i defer to gordon on linux.
OR the tech in you might find the following os intrigueing done in asm.
v small footprint
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MenuetOSbut not linux. read the reviews of it. lotsa fun.
i just find it v interesting. been around a looong time.
best mate.
om