An Internet camera, which operates in accordance with parameters contained in configuration data, is provided with a storage that stores the configuration data, a network interface for connecting the Internet with a predetermined site on the Internet. The Internet camera is further provided with a mail receiving system that receives an e-mail message through the Internet. The e-mail message may contain configuration data. If the configuration data is contained in the received e-mail message, it replaces the configuration data currently stored in the storage.