Hardware

Big bucks for a network?

All you need are 2 nic cards (about $20 each) and a cross over cable to connect the 2 computers directly together.

Then add the Microsoft Networking and share the drives.

The whole thing can be done for around $100 including the tech time to configure it.

You can use direct cable connection to share two sets of files. You need a parallel DCC or Laplink cable and have Direct Cable Connection set up under Networking. Shares are set up in the normal way. Set one machine as client and one as server.

Ok, use Direct Cable connection... unfortunatly that uses the Host -> Guest methodology, so you cannot share back up the line *ie 1 way only*

Now using software such as Laplink is also a possibility, but then; the amount you spend on it, it wouldbe cheaper to get the network *and the speed bonuses etc.*

That is MHO, so there

Maelgwyn

By defination a network is two or more computers connected and communicating, your assumption that a "network" is expensive and unecessary is wrong. In what capacity are you consulting, not IT I hope.

You didn't mention operating systems, and since we are talking about a doctor's office, it could be anything.
The fact that they don't want to spend any money getting this to work doesn't surprise me (I have heard stories about doctors and how cheap they can be when it comes to computers).
So, connectivity with a parallel cable is possible, but it won't be easy.
I agree with the suggestions on picking up 2 NICs and a crossover, then set up a simple protocol like NetBeui (if Windows machines) to do this.
Or heck, just get one of those home networking kits for $50 that comes with a couple NICs, a little 4-port hub, and the CAT5 cables.
Throw the cards in, plug them into the hub, and set up a protocol.
Takes just a few mintues.
Trying to get the parallel cable to work isn't worth the headache.