Abstract: A printer attached to a computer using a driver routine includes an appropriate interface configured to receive, from the computer, an intermediate, device non-specific code such as a Page Description Language (PDL) message generated by an active printer driver routine and provide a corresponding bitmap. The computer may be a standalone workstation connected to the printer or a server providing printer services to a network of users. The printer also has a print engine configured to print an image corresponding to the bitmap. A communications interface is connected to receive a latest version of the printer driver routine which is then stored in a local memory that is part of the printer. The printer further includes a local processor for selectively supplying the computer with the latest version of the printer driver routine from the local memory. The local printer processor may be responsive to a version designation of the active printer driver routine (i.e.