GirlGeek of the Week
April 2000

Jeanette Jensen

William the Conqueror led Jeanette Jensen to computers. She had been conducting extensive genealogy research, and when she got as deep as her 31st great-grandfather, William the Conqueror, Jeanette found it essential to use a computer.

"I enjoy studying the depths of many things until it leads me to something more intriguing," says Jeanette. And with computer firmly in place, her research began to dip into the Internet, where she found what she calls "the next 'Great Library of Alexandria.'" Her thirst for knowledge was finally quenched and as the Web began to unfold, her world changed completely. Persistent and self-taught, she went from personal homepage in two weeks, to programmer in one year, to system administrator in less than two years. Early this year Jeanette launched MagnusMens.com (Latin for "great mind") with the intention of "expediting research and enhancing the lives of all."

When did you first discover your love and/or obsession with computers and technology?

I cared little for my parents nagging, "Computers are the future." And in school, they taught word processing. I should have listened to my parents, but word processing didn't really prepare one for a hands-on description of the protocol stack. I really started studying computer security only after I purchased my computer and then had to find out what TCP/IP meant.

How do you earn a living?

I am the CEO of Magnus Mens.com. For the sole purpose of progress, it is a knowledge portal that centralizes credible knowledge information of all subjects in multiple media in one place. Right now, I am working to gain content and seeking capital to cover expenses, hire employees and earn enough to pay my rent so my roomie doesn't boot me.

Do you consider yourself a Geek?

Yes and very proud of it. All through school, I was able to escape the title of "Nerd". But now it's "cool to be a geek" and within about 15 minutes of conversation, people realize I'm not like anyone they've met, regardless of being a blonde.

That said, I don't know nearly as much as I'd like. Eventually, it would be exciting to work with Cerf, Kurzweil, and other greats in Science and Technology. "He that seeks the wise…"

What is your favorite Website?

Here's my short list of sites:

Cells Alive
Space.com
The Edge Foundation

For the long list of sites visit Magnus Mens.com, Inc.

What do you do when you are not working?

I write poetry, enjoy archery, music, art and filet mignon (but I refuse to cook). These days, I don't have time for a social life. I'm too busy trying to raise $20 million or so in capital so I don't starve. It started out as, and I fully intend to, "change the world" but I can't do it by myself.