What Security Program should I use

Before buying my new Toshiba laptop with Win 8 installed on it, I was using Win.X.P. on an older Toshiba laptop which I have now disconnected from the internet. For security I was using AVG Security Suite (the paid for version). Since buying the Win 8 laptop, I have installed the AVG Security Suite again as I still had approx. 12 months left on my 2-year subscription. I notice that AVG has since disabled Windows Defender and presumably its Security Essentials.
Previously, I was also using Advanced System Care, V7 Pro. but after checking out reviews of this program on Bing, I have decided not to reinstall it on my Win 8 computer as I also had some of the annoying problems with ASC as were mentioned in the reviews. My question is......Do I need any other security program in addition to AVG Security Suite. One friend suggested that I also download Malwarebytes. Would this be suitable program to use in conjunction with AVG or can anyone suggest something else more appropriate Thanks Joe

It all really depend on your browsing and software installation habits, personally I use Avast but AVG is just fine too. AVC pro uses Bitdeffender AV but having 2 AVs at same time is not recommended. AVG is not compatible with Defender so it disabled it at installation. Malwarebytes can be run from time too time if you suspect something is wrong but there are other ones that are more or less aggressive while scanning and cleaning and all should be used with caution. There are some "rootkit removers and also for other specific threats to be used when required.
I also use "McShield" program (MCShield ::Anti-Malware Tool::) for additional protection from malware coming from USB memoryies because I see a lot of traffic there.

You don't really have to buy any security suite to be safe from malware on windows 8. Windows Defender is decent and if you really want the best protection you're much better off using SRP (Using Software Restriction Policies to Protect Against Unauthorized Software), available on all windows editions since xp but home/basic need to set it up via registry; or applocker (http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dd723678(v=ws.10).aspx), available only on win 7/8 pro/enterprise, both are built in windows. Google for guides on how to set them up, it's not really difficult.

Before downloading a program from internet, scan it with https://www.virustotal.com/#url. No need to upload the file, just paste the downloading link it will do upload it on its own.

Executables blocking via SRP/applocker, and +30 scanners via VirusTotal beats any security suite on the market. All of this for free.

Good info here...

AV-TEST - The Independent IT-Security Institute: 26 Protection Programs Undergo Our First Test Using Windows 8

It all depends on the search and download habits of the user... Personally, I use Avast! Free and Malwarebytes Pro but Windows 8 comes pre-installed with Microsoft's Windows Defender antivirus/anti-spyware software.