Now's the ideal time to try Internet dating. The stigma is history, the sites are man-packed and your privacy is protected. Here is all the info you need to meet your dream man.

Where to Start Your Search
There are hundreds of dating sites, so we weeded through the Web to help you choose where to click for cuties. Your best bet is to pick either the most popular (read: loaded with men) or most specialized (to narrow your search). To ensure a site is legit, read the privacy policy -- it should state that they won't share your personal stats and that all correspondence is done anonymously through the site to keep your identity private until you reveal it.

Most sites work the same way - you can post a profile, browse the ads to see who's out there and receive messages for free, but you have to pay if you want to take the next step and initiate contact.

Why the Web Is a Woman's Market
It's ladies' night whenever you log on - the Web is full of fine guys. Most sites we checked out have a male registration of 65 percent; some even have two guys for every female. Why? "Men are used to pursuing women, so the Web is just an extension of that," explains Jeffrey Ullman, founder of the non-Web-based Greater Relations Worldwide matchmaking service in Los Angeles.

Creating the Perfect Profile
The best strategy is knowing what not to say. "Women are often too critical of their appearance; this is the time to crow about your best attributes," says Susan Rabin, author of Cyberflirt. Jeanette, 25, learned this the hard way. "The first profile I posted mentioned that I wanted to drop a few pounds," she says. "Once I changed it to say I had an hourglass figure, I got three times as many responses." Also, disclose personal issues with discretion. "Skip talk about exes and physical, emotional and financial challenges," says Trish McDermott, vice president of romance for Match.com. You should get to know him before spelling out any baggage or shortcomings. Don't overwrite -- keep it between 50 and 100 words -- to maintain some mystery and privacy (remember, anyone can read your profile).

Screen Name or Headline
Use this opportunity to intrigue. You'll stand out more with a saucy moniker like Tons o' Fun instead of something neutral like Looking for Love.

Photo
You should include a pic. Match.com reports that users who post a flattering snap of themselves get eight times more responses.

Opening Line
Begin with a brief physical description like "Fit, all-American blonde" or "Ultrafeminine, exotic-looking brunette." It's key to paint a vivid picture of the whole you. It can conjure up an image that will hook guys quickly.

Your Unique Attributes
This reveals something specific about your personality that helps him understand you.

A Little More Info
It's important to reveal character traits but not too much personal information. This gives the reader a clear idea of your interests without dumping a laundry list on him.

Make Your Demands
Being up-front about what you want in a man will weed out some inappropriate applicants. Plus, mentioning movies, music and other hobbies gives guys a clear idea of what you may have in common.

What It's Like to Date You
An example of how you spend your weekends shows the action-oriented male mind how he fits your list. Plus, since men love to teach you what they know, listing something you hope to learn or improve on will appeal to his alpha-male side.

Date.Com: GET A DATE NOW!

Advice on Decoding a Guy's Description of Himself
After you've posted a profile, "You've got mail" may sound like a mating call. But beware: "People lie online just as they do in the real world," warns Joe Schwartz, author of The Complete Idiot's Guide to Online Dating and Relating.

Still, there are ways to figure out if he's full of it. Start with his profile (whether you want to initiate contact or he emailed you); compare it to messages he sends you. "Look for inconsistencies between the two," says Schwartz. Also, "many men send out a form letter to dozens of women," says Brenda Ross, relationship adviser at Date.com. "Check to see if he mentions your name anywhere other than the initial greeting or makes any references to your profile."

Next, tackle the question of looks. Men tend to exaggerate in this department, so nicely request more details. It is not rude to ask if he still looks like the picture he posted or to request another. If he seems sincerely interested -- and sufficiently attractive -- do a gut check for bad vibes. Tasha, 29, noticed that all the time stamps on emails from an online Romeo were after midnight. "That made me suspicious about his personal life," she recalls. She did the right thing - asking him outright if he was in a relationship - and found out that he was married. "Although there's no foolproof way to weed out a liar, asking specific questions is your best bet," says Schwartz. "Most people who deceive online are comfortable with leaving out the truth, but many won't blatantly lie."

Refusing to move the interaction from virtual to real is another sign that he may have something to hide. "A guy who doesn't ask you out after a few weeks of emailing isn't honest about his interest in a relationship," says Ellen Fein, coauthor of The Rules for Online Dating. Adds Vanessa, 27: "I thought I had really hit it off with one guy, and after two weeks of daily funny emails, I brought up meeting in person. He stalled, and later, he confessed that he was in a rocky relationship and wanted to see his options. I was like, 'Uh, not me!'"

The Face-to-Face Finale
1. Gauge his emails
If he wants to set up a date after one exchange or mentions sex, cut him loose without even considering an in-person interaction. (Most sites let you block emails and will step in if a member becomes threatening -- just alert them and save his messages.)

2. Take it to the telephone
If you feel that the exchange is developing comfortably, give him your number. A cell-phone number is best because he can't find your address with it as he could with a landline.

3. Set up a date
Meet in a public place like a coffee shop or bar. "Treat an online acquaintance just as you would treat a stranger," says Mark Hull, director of Yahoo! community services. "You shouldn't give a guy your home address the first time you meet him."

4. Have a safety net
Arrange to meet up with a friend afterward, even if the date is going well. That way, he'll be intrigued and looking forward to your next date - and you're sure to get home safely.

BY Liesa Goins

Great Expectations: Serious about dating? So are we.