Is there enywere were I can get a cheap 2X20/18 for other than the printer port or is there a cable I could make with software that alows me to connect a normal lcd to other ports.
Matrix Orbital has 2x20 character for the USB port. CrystalFontz has some too. What's cheap to you? Grab a cheap HD44780 compatible 4x20 on e-bay, but make sure you have the datasheet before you buy, that's cheap and easy to wire to LPT.