Strings: I've been using the Nanoweb Custom Light Set, which uses a .11 high E. It's a great compromise set, as I find the Extra-Light set feels too "bendy" under my fingers, which the regular Light set is just slightly too heavy. They are a little pricey, but they last a long time. I really like Nanowebs.
Learning: Learn your basics. Know all your notes, at least to the fifth fret. Learn all your first position chords. Learn the two basic barres (the "E" shape and the "A" shape). Learn the pentatonic scale. You can probably master all of that in a few months, and then you can play most rock music.