how to customize homepage

I would like to remove the slideshow (figured that out). But then fill the blank space with text.

so my homepage would be a text based welcome page in which I can insert pictures (html) (WYSIWYG) editing if possible. Am I missing something? Is this just a module I turn on? Or will this require more extensive coding in the home template?

You can use the HTML Content module (included with OpenCart) to add content to your home page.

Or, you can use my Homepage Module