Firewall for Linux

I have just just bought an AA1 running Linux. This is my first Linux machine.
Does it have a Firewall already installed? If so, is it activated, or do I have to do something?
I have seen references to IPTables, but don't really understand how this works.

Also, is it worth installed Anti-Virus software e.g. AVG? I have read many opinions that suggest it is not necessary on Linux. Any other views or help will be most welcomed.

 

You don't need to concern yourself with a firewall with Linux unless you're going to be using it as a router. Out of the box, ports are only opened when a service is running that requires said port(s) to be opened.

You DO NOT NEED any anti-virus software unless your Linux computer will be used to serve files to a Windows client(s). Hardly the role assigned to a netbook computer.

Cheers.

 

The best thing in linux at the moment is that you can forget about damn antivirus,firewall and viruses alike :roll:

 

Ok, I know that in theory I don't need a firewall or antivirus, but as a first time linux user... Can I really really get away without a firewall for doing internet banking and stuff when I'm on holiday at a free wifi hotspot??? :?