bitcond and bitcoin-Qt system configuration and bandwidth requirements

What is the best operating system configuration for a computer to run (bitcoind or bitcoin-Qt) and (BFGminer or CGMiner) under Linux, assuming that it will be connected to a 3 Terrahash mining rig on one side and the internet on the other side?

What packages, at minimum, must be installed?

How much bandwidth will I need using the Stratum protocol and how much using the GetBlockTemplate protocol?

EDIT TO ADD:

What I mean by "best configuration" is the minimum configuration that provides the necessary functionality.

I'm willing to bet that 90 percent of what's in a desktop Linux distribution is not needed in this application.

Obviously, a kernel and a shell will be needed. What else?

Would you be mining by yourself, or in a pool? If you are mining in a pool, you won't need bitcoind or bitcoin-QT running, and you can use a Raspberry PI to run CGMiner. Raspberry PI is very easy to set up, fast and requires much less oversight/administration as compared to a consumer grade laptop/computer.