This is the xbox version but most of the info will apply to the PC version. The PC version is built for the PC so what you see here will be a bit different from what you get in game.
Luke, I suggest we start off in 'soft core' and segue to hard core after becoming familiar with the game mechanics/maps/features. This philosophy proved beneficial for BC2, and will for those (like me) with very limited online experience with COD games.
I believe there is going to be 2 types ranked and unranked.
ranked been limited to only adjusting certain setting
and unranked allowing virtually anything to be changed