ADAMHERB,
why don't you give YOPER or MEPIS a try?
With Yoper = you won't have security upgrades - as it is not debian based, but a mix'n'match of diff distros.
MEPIS = Debian based, Like Knoppix - but you can only have 2-3 partitions (same with YOPER).
or try Slackware = if you want Linux, but you'll have to ask questions and try the answers and gradually tune your OS. Package Management is non-existent.

I suggest YOPER.

Good luck