[newbie] security

[doom]

i have just installed mandrake7 and am now setting some things up to get on the net with it...my question is what security measures should i take to secure my linux box...i am learning ipchains amungst other thins but i would like some suggestions...thanks alot...     =================================================== You know you've been hacking too long when... ...your digital alarm clock goes off and you think "Bloody Macs!" ===================================================