There are also some differences for Internet vs. personal games on how the character generation process should unfold, although the bottom line should give you the same result at the end of the day.

Internet players: Sorry, folks, but you have no choice when it comes to character generation: I can't see the dice rolls, so it's going to have to be point-buy, as detailed in the DMG. I will allow you to buy at a 28-point base.

Face-to-face players: You have two options for generating ability scores. You can either go with the standard 4d6 (best 3) rolled method, or the point-buy at a 28-point base. Statistically speaking, you should be slightly better off rolling, as I've been told that -- statistically speaking -- the 4d6 (best 3) system is equivalent to a 32-point base. However, you and I both know that statistically speaking doesn't really cover all the bases -- the 28-point base is a safer bet. Besides, 4 points at that level amounts to little more than a +1 or maybe +2 to overall ability scores.

Ability recommendations: In many D&D campaigns, there is a focus on making combat-ready characters, who are designed to best take advantage of the system mechanically. In many D&D campaigns, this is fine, because that's what the game focuses on. I'm warning you now, though, that I see it as my duty as a DM to make sure that all abilities get a work-out in this campaign. If you load up on abilities that only further your effectiveness in combat, you may find that your party is sorely lacking when it comes time to face certain unusual challenges. Just something to keep in mind, but I don't want you to compromise your character concept for. However, if your character concept is very one-dimensional, this may be the time to challenge yourself to define it a bit more.

Next steps: Now that you have six raw ability scores generated it's time to look at races and classes, which will affect further bonuses to those scores as well as where you will want to assign them. Be sure and check out the links on the sidebar for Races and Classes, as there are some changes there relative to your standard Greyhawk-ian D&D game.