Abstract: A multi-functional apparatus of all-in-one type has a plurality of functions and comprises a plurality of devices having respective functions, a designation device for designating one of the functions, where each function utilizes at least one of the plurality of devices, and a controller for controlling at least one of the plurality of devices for execution of the designated one function. A management device manages information that specifies an external apparatus from which an extension program is to be acquired for execution of the designated one function, and an acquisition device acquires the extension program from the specified external apparatus based on the managed information for extension of the functions of the multi-functional apparatus.

Abstract: A compound peripheral device which is connected to a computer and executes different function processes comprises a plurality of function processing means for executing predetermined different function processes, a communication unit for communicating through a telephone line with a server computer in which a plurality of closed application programs have previously been stored, a memory such as internal or external memory medium for down loading each of the closed application programs stored in the server computer by the communication unit and for storing, an instructing unit for instructing the selection and execution of either one of the application programs stored in the memory, a program executing unit for executing either one of the application programs read out from the memory on the basis of the selection execution instruction by the instructing unit, an application selecting unit for selecting and instructing either one of the application programs to be down loaded from the server computer, and a tran

Abstract: A multi-function peripheral is connected to a computer and has a plurality of devices with respective functions, the plurality of devices including a printing unit. A designation means of the peripheral designates one of the functions of the peripheral, and a sending means of the peripheral sends a request to download, from the computer to the peripheral, a program for controlling at least one of the devices. A memory means of the peripheral stores a plurality of programs downloaded from the computer, an instruction means selects and executes one of the stored programs, and a control means controls the functioning of a device of the peripheral by executing the selected program in the peripheral in response to an instruction received from the instruction means.

Abstract: A compound peripheral device which is connected to a computer and executes different function processes comprises a plurality of function processing means for executing predetermined different function processes, a communication unit for communicating through a telephone line with a server computer in which a plurality of closed application programs have previously been stored, a memory such as internal or external memory medium for down loading each of the closed application programs stored in the server computer by the communication unit and for storing, an instructing unit for instructing the selection and execution of either one of the application programs stored in the memory, a program executing unit for executing either one of the application programs read out from the memory on the basis of the selection execution instruction by the instructing unit, an application selecting unit for selecting and instructing either one of the application programs to be down loaded from the server computer, and a tran