I want to play metal though, so I think I'll need an electric guitar. Somebody I met today mentioned Squier... is that a good entry guitar? I'm open to suggestions. What about amp brand? I need to spend less than or equal to 150 dollars worth of equipment.

with only 150$ u don't have much wiggle room for anything better than a squier, even if you search on craigslist/

do squiers play decently?

I used a Fender Stratocaster Squier as my first guitar, in my opinion its good for starting and cheap.

if you're willing to throw down an extra $50, look at some of these (from best to worst)

http://www.guitarcenter.com/Ibanez-GRX70QA-Electric-Guitar-107407850-i2075931.gc
http://www.guitarcenter.com/Ibanez-GRX20-Electric-Guitar-103306148-i1150593.gc
http://www.guitarcenter.com/Epiphone-Les-Paul-Special-I-P90-Electric-Guitar-107274870-i2101227.gc
--> http://www.guitarcenter.com/Epiphone-Ltd-Ed-Special-I-Electric-Guitar-106503295-i1819177.gc <--

strats aren't too suited for higher gain settings (the dirty distortion you hear from metal guitars)
and although LP specials aren't the best les pauls, squiers aren't the best strats. you're better off playing a les paul than a strat for your purposes

as for the amp, these are probably the best. they don't exactly count as "amps" per se, but just plug your desktop speakers or headphones into them and they work fantastically, i've tried them (best to worst for dirty settings):
--> http://www.guitarcenter.com/Vox-Amplug-Metal-Headphone-Amp-104915285-i1385633.gc <--
http://www.guitarcenter.com/C-Tech-Pocket-Rock-It-S1-Standard-Guitar-Headphone-Amp-104383096-i1321939.gc

the 2 with the arrows on it will only add up to $170 and is extremely viable. avoid the squier imo
if you're patient, GC sometimes has deals 10-20% off, and that'll get you well within your budget
good luck

Thank you for your help.

Yeah what rko said is pretty spot on for you.

20$ off purchases over 100$ and free shipping right now @ GC
that puts you right at 150$
...unless you live outside the US

cheers