Provided is printer operation control system and method for a printer having diverse print functions by using an external memory. The external memory is used to store information on the availability of each print function. A reader is provided for reading the information on the availability of each print function stored in the external memory. Further, a function setting unit is provided for setting up the operability of software for each print function based on the information read in the reader. Even further, a controller is provided for controlling the operation of the printer based on the operability of each software set up in the function setting unit.