It sounds like things are going ok.

Yes, you can build starbases in other races territory, but they usually don't like it. I'm suprised no one else has built on the that resource yet as the AI tends build on them quickly.

As you get upgraded factorys, markets and so on tech, your existing ones should get updated automatically. No need to replace them.

Start woking on building up your military, which may involve some more techs. If you wait to long without any defenses, the AI will take advantage of you. Besides, you want to go visiting them with troop transports anyway, don't you?

You can also start building influence starbases near other race's planets. The long term goal of that would be to get those planets to rebel agains thier current empire and switch over to yours.

I only build starports on planets that have reasonable manufacturing capacity. No need to waist the terrain tile to build one if it can't build ships in a reasonable amount of time.

Keep playing, keep experimenting, and keep having fun!

Tony

So it is good thing to balance research? Go slowly in every branch?

Urijel,

I would focus less on the terraforming techs like everyone said. It sounds like you are focusing too much on that. In a game like this tech determines the pace of the game. When I first started out I researched whatever was cheapest (fewest turns) except for weapons. I always specialize in weapons. That worked good until I got moved up a few difficulty levels. I suggest starting out that way until you figure out what works best for your style.

To answer your question about the buildings. If you build a manufacturing building over a manufacturing building it will upgrade it. If you build unlike improvements over each other the existing improvement is destroyed. Say I build a research lab over an enhanced factory. The factory is destroyed and my research lab is built. Also, make sure you are buying things when you can. That money doesnt do you any good sitting in the vault. Buy what you can and soon you will see what is important now and what can wait. Those are the biggest things I can think of now. Dont be afraid to post questions. People will help you out.