2
In general settings just choose "none" as your start module.
You can add blocks to this empty page, your "top" page in "blocks" is the first page that loads
You can then add "centre centre" custom blocks and add your own text or HTML.
If you wish to add other blocks just choose "top" and any other modules you wish the block to appear in, and place them center-right or center-left or center-centre etc. You can also add weighting to the blocks i.e 1,2,3 this determines which blocks appear first.
When editing blocks it is better to click on "Edit" to the right of the block you are editing, gives more flexibility, and allows you to hold down "control" and choose individual modules you wish the block to appear in.