Since posting I've emailed avast and Dr. Christian Cantoro gave me the URL to an avast uninstall utility that must be run in safe mode. I did and I still get the home edition in "About avast" but, if I click the "avast Antivirus" desktop icon and open the graphic with the start button, etc. there is a pop up button (upper left) that pops up a menu like the blue globe in the system tool tray and its About avast reads "Avast version 4.8 Professional". So,,,, I think you're right, that it's a oversight on their part.
Thanks,
Kerry