* If you're overwhelmed by the amount of detail, then don't be afraid
  to set Terraformers on autopilot and let Governors handle your bases;
  you'll learn more quickly by watching what the AI does than by trial
  and error.

* Don't go "mine happy" early on. Nutrient-boosting Farms are far more
  important for city growth. Energy-producing Solar Collectors directly
  contribute to your income and research.

* Take the time to explore with pairs of Scouts or Rovers; this way, 
  when one of them stumbles across the inevitable Mindworm, the other
  unit can attack it.

* Clear fungus from the squares surrounding your base to keep Mindworms
  from moving adjacent to them and attacking in the same turn.

* Create a single Skunkworks city to build a unit with new components
  as soon as they're researched. This will defray the prototype cost 
  for other cities and will keep you prepared if you suddenly have to
  change your production in the event of a war.