Legolas-
Build a Warrior first and send him out to explore, unless you have Horseback Riding as a freebie tech. DO NOT research it if you dont get it free. There is some debate about the value of two Warriors versus one Horseman in the beginning. I personally prefer the Warriors, but I respect the argument that the Horseman is a better Barb killer and has a second movement point when bumping into something dangerous.
Enter every hut (study the patterns) except when you are getting close to critical techs (just circle the hut for a turn or two...). Start building your first settler as soon as you can, and if you find a better place for your SCC by the time he is done, send him right there. If your capital is the best SCC site early, build only one more settler there while the second city is getting going, then switch to SCC improvements.
You should find and settle a decent SCC site by the third city at the latest, or else settle for the best you got. You will be getting units from huts unless you are on a small island. Bring the Archers back to garrison your cities, and send the Horsemen out to explore. Bring any Warriors you still have back too, as they can be decent second and third garrisons for your SCC in Monarchy.
Another tip - the Barbarians do not start "popping out of nowhere" until the 16th turn, which is usually 3200BC (at King/Emp/Deity difficulty level). You could have one or two from a hut, but they often disappear if they cannot find someplace to attack nearby. Bigger groups come later in the game. Also, Barbs will not attack your only city.