microsoft or avg or both? advice please

[friendly]

I have just got a new netbook which I want to protect from viruses etc. If I download avg for free do I need the microsoft security protection as well? I remember reading somewhere on mn that they did different things. All advice gratefully received I do find these issues very baffling. Thank you

I'm too impatient and wanted to play! I have downloaded microsoft essentials. Is there anything else I should do to protect my new friend?

Are you talking about Windows Defender? I use AVG, but I turn off Defender as I find it too intrusive and annoying. However if you are unsure of things you download keep it on.