✅ Answers
Technically, a Linux without pre-installed programs is useless. Anything installed with the Kernel to make an operating system is considered pre-installed. I know you mean software programs. There are all kinds of Linux distributions that are only console command versions. You can do a web search for Linux Distribution List and find many different ones available. I’m sure other answers will list a few for you. Wish you the best experience possible.
If you want a distribution with little to no pre-installed programs you are going to have to look at the more technical projects like Debian, Gentoo, Linux from Sratch, Slackware (maybe), or you can compile the Linux kernel yourself.
Source(s): http://www.linux.org/ (the Linux kernel)
http://www.debian.org/ (Debian project)
http://www.gentoo.org/ (Gentoo)
http://www.linuxfromscratch.org/ (Linux from Scratch)
http://www.slackware.com/ (Slackware)
There is a Debian Installer called “netinstall”, this distro is a small cd (around MB) that installs a basic system, with no programs and graphic enviroment, so you install later what you need in your machine using the internet or a local network. In this installation you just install what you really need, with no extra daemons to slow down your machine.
Source(s): http://sidserra.phpnet.us/
Google the following: “JeOS.” It’s the acronym for “Just enough Operating System,” and it’s pronounced “juice.” JeOS is a stripped-down version of the Linux kernel, and many distros are making it available nowadays. Otherwise, you can find the latest and greatest kernel itself at www.kernel.org and diddle with it to your heart’s content.
BasicLinux
http://www.volny.cz/basiclinux/
Time to dust down the floppies
LUg.