I use AVG and Ad-Aware. However, after I had such horrible pc problems today I'm wondering if I need to use something better. Does anyone know if there are better virus scan software programs that are also free?

ClamAV is lightweight and works fine.

I have Norton to be just bloated and dumbed-down for the beginner consumer too much - when you want to change a setting you have to go through all kinds of kiddie-graphics just to get it done. ClamAV is basic, free, and does the job.

I personally use AVG as well and have never had a problem with it. The biggest thing is to make sure you keep it updated for new threats!

I consider bit defender as the best anti virus software. I also like to use Nod 32 anti virus which use less memory as well as an efficient anti virus.

I would suggest you try to invest some money in your virus protection software. 

I'm currently using Norton, which is included free by my ISP, but in the past I liked AVG.

There came a point when I couldn't seem to get the latest updates when I was using it, and I stopped using it then.

I switched to AVG after the sasser worm virus back in 2004.