Hello Jeff,
Vista home
basic can not run more than three programs at a time.
This is most likely the cause of your freezes.
However, if you feel that the computer is infected,
I suggest you go to the
Malware Forum and run all the steps located in the
START HERE. These self-help tools will help you clean up 70% of problems on your own. If you are still having problems after doing the steps, then please post a HiJackThis Log in
THAT forum. If you are unable to run and/or post a HJT log, then post that in your initial post in the topic you create in that forum.
If you are still having problems after being given a clean bill of health from the malware expert, then please return to
THIS thread and we will pursue other options to help you solve your current problem(s).