Builing a minimal linux

I'm wondering what are the basic components to build a custom/my own distribution of a minimal functionla linux.

As far as I know I need the following:

linux kernel
bash
gcc
libc
libstdc++

but what are the latest of those libs (glibc_2 or 6)? and how to obtain them? what is the order of compiling thos libs?

How to add an X Windonws system? Which is better, XFree86 or Xorg?

Thanks in advance.

Assuming you already have some experience with using Linux, your best sources for what you describe are Gentoo and LFS or Linux From Scratch.

you could also streamline by using tcc rather than gcc, just a thought/