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.

You may want to do some reading. This subject is just too lengthy.......

Here a start Security Report: Windows vs Linux

There are hundreds of documents on the subject, just google Linux Security.