I’m a networking student, and I have you deside what Server OS is the best. Although, I am unsure what to look for expectly when it comes to linux. Any pointers?

I am trying to think of new ways to hand out linux to people who otherwise can not download it from the net. Is it legal to stand on a street corner and hand them out like flyers?

What linux distro is the most basic?

I am looking for an operating system that includes:

-command line
-no splash screen when booted
-nothing else.

I would like to know how one can turn a linux distro image into a bootable jumpdrive version. Any help at all, even if just a link, is appreciated.

First, a bit about my background.. I currently work as a Network Engineer, mainly with Cisco routers/switches and VPN devices. I am throughly familiar with Windows, both as a workstation and server, and have one more test to go to complete my MCSE. However, I have no real experience with Linux, and feel like this is both a hole in my personal knowledge and in my resume. I can do basic user stuff both from a command line and in Xwindows, but have no real command of it.

That said, I intend to rectify this. I want to start using Linux as my primary operating system on my personal PC, as I feel this is a great first step to really force myself to learn it. I need to know what distribution would be best for me to use. My concern is some of them seem to have alot of propriatary tools that are not found in other linux distros, I want to find one to learn on that will best allow me to be comfortable on any linux distro I run into in the future. Thanks much for your advice!