[General Topics For Beginners]

A couple things I found questionable:

Do you use nylon strings? Looping a string around itself at the bridge with a steel string would be more likely to break in a short period of time. An important note to add, NEVER kink a string. I did that once, and as soon as I tightened it, snap.

I don't think the gauge effects the sound so log as you tune it properly, the main difference is how your fingers handle having to press harder or softer depending on whether you go higher or lower gauge. The low E string (the fat one) on my electric guitar is comparable to that of the D string (comparing to G seemed like a bad idea) on my acoustic, but when they are tuned, they are E and D.

Tune it, don't just tighten it until you can play it. You can get free digital tuners for your computer, I don't remember where, but I had one awhile back and never used it because I only had an acoustic and it was a pain in the butt. You can also get a proper tuner from a music store.

I don't know if there is a proper time to change strings, I usually change them when one or more is broken or if they look worn or rusty. I'd imagine if you keep loosing the proper tuning frequently, then they might need to be changed also.