Lcd

I am trying to use an LCD display for a microcontroller based Calculater.

However, I have no choice of modules. I have to customize my project according to the LCD available locally. I got a datasheet of a 18x1 module and it's pin-out appears no different than a RAM IC (E, R/W, D0..D7)

Is it any different if I use a 16X2 display? Can anyone suggest me a generic tutorial to understand the usage and interfacing of LCD modules in terms of both Hardware and software?

Thank you.

Check my PIC tutorial, almost all LCD text modules use the standard Hitachi chip set (or a clone of), so all work the same - bear in mind they are usually electrically 2x40, with the actual display a 'window' on that space.

Have you got a link to your datasheet? Or can you scan it and upload it?

The trouble is, I have to first buy an LCD then look for the datasheet. And I shall be forced to use the LCD I get.... I have no choice.

So I am trying to learn a few basic things about LCDs so that I do not buy an LCD that ends up totally useless. According to what Nigel siad and a few sites I had seen, It looks like there shall be no such a thing as a totally usless LCD as long as I do not buy the type used in laptop screens....