Hello, I was using my Linux environment, currently parrot security as my programming environment. It had all the essentials, and non-essentials too. I was planning to learn about pen testing when I took it, but not anymore. So I tried to delete all the unnecessary packages, which broke some packages and therefore I can't update.

So, I moved all my files out and is planning to move to an other version of Linux. I got a windows installation which I don't want to break.
I am looking for a lightweight but elegant looking system for everyday use, which comes with minimal software and files. I would like to manually install my software.
My specs:
core i3 6006U
8GB RAM
A not so fast Hard disk
I won't be using much software except the file manager and some text editor and such, but I need it to be
fast(or else I would've changed my coding env to windows)
Any suggestions?
A beginner developer/student. Likes to know stuff. Don't have an OS to put here.