In an image-forming apparatus such as a digital copying apparatus, even
when a digital copying apparatus having print data desired by a user is
used by someone else or is in trouble, the apparatus outputs the print
data desired by the user without any delay at any time convenient to the
user and in an output form the user desires, and thus increases
availability thereof. The digital copying apparatus includes an network
interface communicating with an external host apparatus, and a memory for
storing image data and operation mode data received through the network
interface, and prints out the image data on a printer section. The
digital copying apparatus receives image data and operation mode data
from the other digital copying apparatus and prints out the image data on
the printer section thereof.