Abstract: Printer (1) has code in memory (5) to interpret one or more page description languages and also stores in memory (5) a table of routines useful in other interpreters and their addresses, as well as code to link partially compiled object code in response to directions in Relocation Tables in the partially compiled code. Data is downloaded to the printer by cable (23) to add another interpreter to the printer. That data is employed by the linking code, which responds to the directions in the Relocation Tables to complete the new interpreter making use of routines already stored in the printer. Since the stored routine table is lengthy, it is compressed. The routine table may be downloaded rather than permanently stored.

Abstract: An improved networked system having a host computer and multiple printers is provided in which the printers have a bi-directional data communications capability and have at least one memory device capable of storing print data and other types of data files. The host computer can be utilized by a user or a Network Administrator to "read" the contents of each memory device on each printer connected to the network that has the NPAP bi-directional communications capability. The user/Network Administrator can transfer a file from the memory of one of the printers on the network to the memory of a second of the printers on the network. When a given resource management function has been completed, an updated resource directory is automatically displayed at the host which includes all of the changes resulting from the earlier resource management function command.