linux

Use Linux. I suggest Debian (or Ubuntu if you're gay).

The distribution choice only really affects 3 things:
1. How stable your experience is going to be
2. How easy it will be to find information online about stupid bugs
3. What packages will be most easily available to you.

Everything else should ideally be customized by you.

Because of this, I suggest the most popular distributions - they'll have the
largest range of packages available, most information available and highest
stability.