LINUX Security

Hi,
I am new to Linux. I really want to get into it.
Recently I installed these distros on various machines(ubuntu,xubuntu,pclinuxos 2007,kubuntu).
What I find to be strange after so many years using Xp Pro is this:

does linux need firewall
does linux need antispyware
does linux need anti virus software

I know that the security of Linux is renowned for being superior to Windows but are the above applications required?

I read somewhere that a firewall is only required if you run a Linux mail server-is this true?

Are all Linux distros in general extremely secure thus not requiring firewall / antimalware software?

I'd be delighted on some input to my question. Thank you.

 

Everyone needs a firewall but you should have one already installed. Check the ubuntu forums http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=110440 for more info on spyware etc..

 

Linux has a built-in firewall. There are third-party GUI's available for managing the firewall.

Yes, you need an AntiVirus package. However, unless the distro you are using has the Dazuko kernel module installed; there will be no resident protection. Ubuntu comes with the Dazuko kernel module pre-installed.

There are no Anti-Spyware applications available for Linux yet.