This is probably the dumbest question. But, I am just starting out with using this type of software and doing my own graphics.

With that said... When I open Inkscape there is a box in the center of the page. Is there anyway to remove that or is it necessary and I just don't know what it is for?
Thanks

Welcome to InkscapeForum!

That's the page border. The page border is important, because in certain situations where you might use the image, any content that is outside the border will not show up. I suppose that Inkscape is designed to open at 35% zoom, so that the whole page fits on the screen . Imo, it should open at 100%. But anyway, that's the story.

You can absolutely make the page border invisible. File menu > Document Properties > Page tab > Border.

The benefit of having space outside the border (which many graphics programs don't offer) is that you can keep sketches, or extra content, or whatever you might find helpful, outside the border. So you still have it available for future use, but it won't show up, in those certain situations where the page border is important.

Edit
PS -- Please note the instructional materials in my forum signature. You may be able to find answers to your questions on your own. But if you get stuck, please don't hesitate to ask for help