The Settlers series looks very appealing, having only played this type of game in casual games.

Looked at some reviews but can't decide which one is best to start me out. I guess the less fighting strategy the better for me. Don't mind slow and laborious. Some seem to lack for a good tutorial.

I'd appreciate an expert's point of view on where in the series I should dive in....thanks

Let's wait for the experts to help you.

Since I only have Settlers 2 (3 in 1 package), I basicly started with that. But it didn't have that much fighting at the earlier levels (as far as I remember.)

So unfortunately I'm not much of a help.

Thanks for that, not much fighting to start out is fine with me. I'll have enough to think about just building up my area.

I would say that either Settlers 5 or 6 should be fine.

As far as I recall, they both give a fairly decent intro, to introduce you to the mechanics and get you going, before any serious fighting starts. The game pretty much tells you what to do at the outset.

Got on really well with 6. Just loved it. Keep trying 5 and quitting but I'll try again until I make friends with it. Thanks for the suggestion.

Well, if you have anything in specific that is causing a problem with 5, is it possibly anything I might be able to help with?

Thanks but no particular problem. I just clicked with 6 but 5 seems less appealing. I just need to keep playing and hopefully grow to appreciate it.

Yes, I think I know what you mean. Well, there are quite a few similar games to The Settlers around. It just depends what part it is that appeals to you; the RTS (combat) part or the citybuilding part.

A rather a nice citybuilder with some fighting RTS elements if you so choose, is Ceasar IV.

If you like settling new colonies and claiming new areas for your empire and making them work financially and from an administrative and military POV, then the Anno games are nice, such as Anno 1503 or Anno 1701.

If you like RTS proper, see the RTS thread. Warcraft 3 is a nice one to try out.

Have you ever tried turn-based strategy games like Heroes of Might and Magic? HOMM 5 is fun an involves quite a bit of citybuilding.

EDIT: I just re-read yout opening post, and saw that you prefer less fighting and combat. Well, if you like building up a city, then Ceasar IV might appeal to you, though it doesn't really have a story.
The Anno games have a bunch of little scenarios, each rather different, but as far as I remember not much of an epic campaign.
I have a feeling I'd forgotten to mention a game or two that you might like - so I'll keep searching the back of my mind, and give you a heads-up if it comes to me.

GOG.com has quite a nice little selection of Strategi games like Heroes of Might & Magic.

Thanks for all the ideas. Settlers is my first shot at this type of game, I'll happily try others in this genre. Thanks again.