Anti Virus and Anti "Bad Stuff".... Which one to pick???

I'm a bit of a begginer when it comes to a computer, so I need to know which ant "bad stuf" is bes the use.

I heard that Norton Anti Virus was pretty cruddy, so I don't know any other anti virus software that will protect well. Also, what spyware and adware software is good?

Also, please give price, and remember, I can't get anything too expensive.

Thank You.