Number of posts on front page

I can't find the code I need to edit to determine the number of posts that display on the front page.


Moreover, I would be happiest if there were no posts displayed on the front page except in the slider and I could have my two sidebar widgets only below the slider. Is this possible? I've been running my own WP sites for five years now so I can handle code modification with a little guidance as to where to cut and snip.

Thank you!

Rae