Abstract: In a case that IC cards in which font data is stored are not mounted on an image forming apparatus, a font name of font data stored in a ROM provided in the apparatus is displayed on a control panel. In a case that the IC cards are mounted on the image forming apparatus, a CPU provided in the apparatus monitors the mount and detects the mounts, and a font name of font data stored in the mounted IC cards are displayed on the operation panel prior to the other font name. In other words, the image forming apparatus of this invention can select and display the font name of font data stored in the outer storing apparatus prior to the other font when the outer storing apparatus in which font data is stored is mounted on the image forming apparatus.

Abstract: Initialization data for an image forming apparatus is first down-loaded from a host device to a RAM and then written in an IC card. Once the initialization data is written in the IC card, future initialization will be executed on the basis of the initialization data read out from the IC card, not from the host device.

Abstract: A laser printer which uses a laser-diode is a peripheral device for a host machine which processes information. The laser printer is a slave of the host machine such that the laser printer forms an image on a paper only as the host machine commands. The laser printer includes a cassette for automatic paper feeding. The laser printer receives data and commands to print the data in a specified format on a paper of a size selected by the host machine. Furthermore, the laser printer includes a manual feeding unit to feed paper to an image forming position. The manual feeding unit includes a sensor for detecting when a paper sheet is inserted into the manual feeding unit. When the sensor detects the paper sheet, the laser printer forms the image on the paper sheet fed by the manual feeding unit in spite of the command from the host machine.