For the tone:
I can't see what amp you have (my ISP is blocking imgur right now -.- again), but on a solid state Marshall, I do roughly this: Overdrive channel, channel volume up full, then dial in the gain to the point where it starts to break up when you pluck a string hard, and then set the Master Volume to whatever is comfortable. I have the EQ more or less flat, but if you there's too much bass/treble, just adjust to make it sound pleasant. If the amp doesn't have a dedicated volume control for the overdrive chanel, just use a small amount of gain to achieve the pluck hard --> slight breakup sound.
Don't underestimate how much of the tone comes from the fingers, though. It may be a while before you're really able to get an authentic tone.

General tips for new players: Learn songs that you really want to learn. Playing guitar can be frustrating, but learning something you really want to learn can help keep you motivated.
Make sure that you only use your finger tips when fretting notes (unless you're barring chords).
If you're getting any pain, stop playing (if it's just the fingertips burning, you can play on if you really want to).
Don't neglect your pinky finger(s), you'll regret it further down the line. If you have to play something like 1-3-4 on the D string, use your index, ring and pinky fingers.
Practise everything slowly, until you can play it perfectly, without mistakes, then increase the tempo. Trying to play something up to speed right away is going to teach you sloppy playing, and you're going to learn to play it with too much effort/tension.
Speaking of tension, don't press down any harder than you need to to fret the note. Relax.
Finally, always warm up before serious playing/practise.