I keep getting reminders telling me I need 180search Assistant for my programs to run right. Does anybody know what it is and whether or not I really need it? Or is it some adware or spy program trying to get in? Any info will be appreciated.

According to this article on how to remove 180 search assistant:

"It is imperative that you uninstall this program from your system."

http://www.sawtoothdistortion.com/Articles/Uninstall180Search.html

Another article on removing it:

http://reviews.cnet.com/5208-6132-0.html?forumID=32&threadID=51677&messageID=615479