Connect 2 laptops as client and server

Hello,

I would like to connect 2 lap tops directly to each other. 1 will have a database on the first laptop so it will act as the server and also be used as a client and the other lap top will be used as a client only. I can hard wire to each other accross approximately 40 feet or could attempt wireless. I have a network version of some restaurant software I will be using and also a client version for the 2nd lap top. I need to be able to use moth lap tops simultaneously while maintaining 1 file on the server.

Both lap tops are running Vista.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thank You