Mark became interested in computers at an early age. When he was about twelve, he used the Atari Basic program to creae a messaging program called "Zucknet." His father used it in his dental office, and the family used it in the house. His fascination for computer continued through high scoohl. Mark created a music software program, which was named Synapse. Several companies, including AOL (American On Line) and Microsoft, wanted ti buy his software and hire him, but he refused their offers, He went to college instead.