I do use Avast Home Edition. It works fine. It has all the features like web-shield, mail-shield, anti-spyware etc. The home edition is completely free and we ll be getting free updates everyday if our computer is connected to the Internet.
I don't use antivirus, I don't need it because I don't do anything strange or open weird files. But, when people ask me, I install them AVG or some other free antivirus.
I recommend AVG trail version with free of cost for home users and Kaspersky Internet Security 2012 for licensed one.
I have installed eset nod 5 smart security and find it to be one of the best antivirus and internet security software I have ever used. However if you are going to be downloading stuff reguarly I would recommend using virustotal online to quickly scan all your downloads with various security software check it out just type virustotal in google.
I tried using Bit Defender & NOD32 but decided to stick with NOD32. It's light & never mess up my files.