@X0FSuggestions for a fast start:

@X0C1st Turn:
@X0B- Modify Planets: Not needed.
@X0A- Build 2 fleets: #1: 1 Explorer, #2: 3 Escorts, 1 Colonizer
@X0B- Fleet Operations:
   @X0E1: Select fleet 1 and perform a #1 Sensor for Planets
   @X0A2: If you find another planet that is not already 
      colonized by you, move to it.(#3)
   @X0E3: If you do not find anything, perform #3 and enter 0
      for the planet #.  This gets you into manual movement.
      Move around.
   @X0A4: Every time you move, perform a #1 to find new Planets.
   @X0E5: Select a new planet to colonize and move your Colonizer
      there.
   @X0A6: Attack the planet to reduce it's defenses to negative
      it's resources.

@X0FPurpose of the Game:  @X0BTry to colonize planets as quickly as possible.
                      Attack and destroy the other players ships.