Go by the color. Turn the berries over to check the other side, which is usually not as red. Wait until they're completely red, then wait another day until the red loses all the orange tone and becomes a dark crimson.

A ripe strawberry is red through the inside, no longer white. Cut them open to check, and eventually you'll easily tell when they're at their prime. Definitely don't leave them past that, or they'll get soft and mushy.

pick them early in the morning, and refrigerate after washing the drying.

Ok,

I tried my first strawberry, and it was definitley ripe and delicious.

Thanks, for the help =D