Re: How would one go about makeing a living growing comp. program?

Well, that question is on the lips of many computer scientists,
psychologists, theologist, biologist, philisophers, and numerous other
academics. There is so little understood about what is involved.

Creating something that can have the same level of conversation with you
would need the same processing power as the brain, this does not exist
today.

Admin Note:  Like Steve said, this is really beyond our capabilities 
today.  But a good start in this field would be to start searching for 
artificial intelligence, both from an algorithmic and cognitive science 
approach.  Books like The Emperor's New Mind or Godel, Escher, Bach: 
An Eternal Golden Braid might offer you some insight (not to mention some 
pretty good reading).  Good luck on your search! -- RJS