Replying to Avchd editting/conversion?

So I have a Canon HF10 Camcorder that I'm just starting to mess around with. I took some video and heres the problems so far

First i didnt realize that you needed a program that could work with the certain format. Once i found that the shitty software it came with supports that format, i tested it. I tried to edit, and it was terrible, it was soooo laggy, and the playback would play a second, stop for like 5, pick up for a second, then stop again (while editing). When i tried to view my final edit, it was super choppy and laggy and unpredicatable.

How can i edit these videos well? i have a PC. I can get any program. I need something good that easy but high quality.

Also, im guessing that uploading these videos to something, like facebook, won't work in the format. right? so what should i use to convert it (i guess this would kinda defeat the purpose of an HD camcorder though)?

I'm super confused. basically any info you can give me would be great!