Is there a way to slow down the PC/Laptop before the game starts because i'm very tired of my riflemen getting run over by russian tanks before we even hit the millinium (1900 !!!!)

I'm truly puzzled if your version plays well at the lowest levels though. I sometimes watch my daughter play. She likes to win every battle easily and to face no challenge as her civ developes so she plays at the lowest level. Her opponents never seem to get advanced units.

Just play on a lower level and on a small map. Follow the tutorial guidance about city improvements. Build a few of whatever your fastest offensive unit is (horsemen initially, elephants, knights, crusaders, up to tanks later) then send them in waves half a doxen strong against the nearest A1 cities. While doing so make sure you are also building a few settlers and founding a new city or two each turn or two. Works for her.