Do I Need Spyware Protection As I Have Avast?

Spyware has just popped up saying I have 160 dodgy sites. Is this just a scam to purchase their product?
I only know the basics about my PC so I need your advice folks.

Avast is one of 4 things you need on your computer.

Avast is anti-virus.

Spyware are small files put on your computer from web sites that you visit that monitors your activity and what other web sites you go to and send that info back to where it came from.

Adware. Similiar to spyware but it follows up popping up advertisements or others annoying things in small windows. Very annoying.

When they build up on your computer they will slow it down.
To remove them get:

Adaware 2007 = spyware removal (free)
http://www.lavasoftusa.com/

The 3rd thing you need is a firewall
Everyone that conntects to another computer or the internet should have a firewall in use. If you have not enabled it already you should activate Windows Firewall.

The 4th thing you need is a utility to remove clutter left behind when you uninstall programs little bit of them get left behind...
To check for them and remove things you don't need check out CCleaner.

CCleaner = registry and organizer (free)
http://www.CCleaner.com/

cant hurt, try spybot s & d http://www.safer-networking.org/

Yes, it is a scam. Do NOT buy that product.

Avast is anti-virus only, you still need a good anti-spyware.

I suggest:
SUPERAntiSpyware:
http://www.superantispyware.com/
They a free version.

Good luck.

Yes, layered security. I work for an antihack site. Use Lavasoft AntiSpyware from download.con its the most downloaded highly rated antispyware, and its free.

It sounds as if you have been hit by a rogue antispyware product - first they tell you what's wrong - then they charge you to fix it. Never send them any money or your details.

Make sure you have a firewall turned on; if you don't have a free third party firewall such as Zonealarm or Comodo installed , at the very least turn on Windows own firewall if you haven't done so already. Go to start>control panel>Windows Firewall and enable it.

Download Spybot as recommended above; it's free
http://www.filehippo.com/download_spybot...

once installed, update the database and don't forget to "immunize" - run a scan to see if Spybot identifies the rogue menace on your system. If after the scan, it's still there you may need to download and run Rogue Remover - free here
http://www.snapfiles.com/reviews/roguere...

If you run into any problems, just ask another question - good luck.

I've used AVast for years, and while I think it's the best antivirus software, it is not meant to get rid of spyware. For that you need antispyware. I do recommend SuperAntiSpyware and Ad-Aware. The combination I've found to be the most effective.
http://www.lavasoftusa.com/products/ad_a...

http://www.superantispyware.com/

Avast! is free and is the only program you need dont believe anything else. Well you shouldnt