Ice has the right Idea. Increase Logistics slots(Not tactical tho, I've heard the AI goes crazy and will ultimately crash the game if you do this) Increase income, and increase fleet supply points/capitol ship points.
Side Note: If you're just trying to learn the game, do a small random map, turn pirates on, and make there be no AI players. (Just turn off all the other slots, and select Keep Playing when you start the game and the victory screen appears. Then you can familiaraize yourself with researches and find the right combos.
A hint: Most people recomend no more than 2 civilian labs early in the game, and even then, only to get Ice and Volcanic research if there are enough of these planets to worry about. But never a 2 civ lab opening, unless you're right in the middle of a swarm of these 2 planet types and are really quick at micro managing your empire.(If not, you're boned in this situation) however, that rarely happens.
-Twilight Storm
