robot computer

[snooza]

ho to make a robot which runs with a computer instead of a microcontrol. ho would i put software on this so it can read a face say its name and greet it.
also when it meets a new face how to say hello how are you what is your name. which computer softwares can i use to do this ? please help
very appreciated
-snooza

[little-c]

linux. hack away at an open source os, or add in an aplication to run over the top of the OS.

[z.s.tar.gz]

Yep. They sell really little motherboard/cpu/ram combo things which run great with linux.

[madsci1016]

Look up 'PC-104' computers. These are the 'really little ones". Install a gui-less linux and program in python if you are new to the game.

[KurtEck]

Of course you could also run something like windowsXP on something like a pico-itx...
http://www.mini-itx.com/reviews/pico-itx/ 
Not that I want to get into a windows vs linux type of religious war, but simply to point out you do have options.

Kurt

[madsci1016]

Be weary of the relatively new form factors like pico-itx.

The Pc-104 form factor is the de-facto standard for computerized robotics (and has been for a while). ( I work for the DoD and I can't think of a robotic platform that isn't PC-104). More then a small size, the standard is 'stackable' and scalable; with a whole market of add-on boards to suite any need. Need more com ports? just get an expansion card with 12.

I won't get into an OS war, (zs loves those :-P) but I would recommend linux as a robotic OS, and suggest you install a real-time kernel.

[z.s.tar.gz]

I don't love flamewars, it's just a hobby.

I'd recommend Arch Linux. It's a ground-up DIY linux distobution that you can mold to fit your needs, in this case robot controlling.