Computer Freeze

I wasnt sure where to post this, because I'm not sure the problem.

My computer runs fine while browsing the internet, but when I pull up another tab in internet explorer I starts to freeze up.  You would think that internet explorer is just not responding, but my ctrl/alt/delete will not even pull up to end it.  I don't think its a virus, because I've scanned it with AVG Free for viruses , And malware bytes and super anti spyware and nothing comes up.  Is it a hardware problem??

Im running windows XP home,  intel pentium 4 - 3.00GHz , Should I scan with Hijackthis and post a log?.

Same with Firefox?
Any other program causing any freezing?

Same with Firefox?
Any other program causing any freezing?

Did you try resetting internet explorer? (See following link if you need instructions on how to do it: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/923737)

If it still freeze after that, then try firefox like broni said. If both still freeze then you have computer issue that needs to be addressed.