Modules display on pages where they shouldn't

I am using the HOT_APPS template. I have set up several modules to display on only the home page. however, when i go to the pages linked to by icons on the home page, the home page module icons show on those pages, as well. This has become frustrating as i cannot determine why they are showing there.
please help.

Addendum - After more investigation, none of the modules work as expected in regards to when and where they show up. I've circumvented my home page issue by putting the information in an article called 'home'. however, i have a side menu that is supposed to show on all pages EXCEPT the home page and it doesn't do that. it doesn't display on all pages as expected.

i need to modules to work for other items that i need to put on the site.

Joomla menu assignment works like that, it page is not associated with menu item it will take settings from some parent item if it can and it will usually end up with settings for home page.

There is extension called "Advanced module manager" that can enable you to do module menu assignment by URL