Here is the simple answer on how to read your opponents hand.  Make a bet.  This will cause your opponent to make a reaction showing you consistently what hand he has.

                Let's look at an example.  If you raise your hand before the flop and get re-raised then there is a good chance your up against AK or better.  If you just get called, you can throw out your opponent having those big hands and proceed accordingly after the flop.

                Since you were the raiser before the flop and were not re-raised you have a good chance of winning the pot whether or not you hit and you also have to opportunity to find out if your hand is beat.  Make a bet.  Your opponent will either fold showing he's weak and you win.  They might call, showing you they are probably on a draw or only caught a piece of the flop.  They could re-raise, telling you they hit  the flop big.  Most people don't bluff off all of there chips so if there is a big re-raise you know your top pair or less is no good. You can't be afraid to risk some chips, they are your chess pieces.

                For anyone who is thinking about making the transition to online poker, understand that reading your players is very much the same.  Betting,  to cause a reaction from your opponents, to let you know where you stand it that particular hand.