Indent/spacing compile bug or problem

Hello,
I am a first-time user. I am attempting to compile a document with single spacing and one line space between paragraphs. I leave the indents set to 0 on each side. The first line indent is automatically set to 36 points. When I add the space between paragraphs (12 points), the entire document is compiled to a width of 36 points. Any help or suggestions is appreciated.
Thank you,
Hugh Gordon