A multifunction machine according to one embodiment of the present
invention includes a clock means for recognizing time; a settings
information storing means that stores settings information and an updated
time; a synchronization target information storing means that stores
synchronization target information that specifies synchronization target
multifunction machines whose settings information is to be synchronized;
a sending means that sends updated settings information and the updated
time of the settings information to the synchronization target
multifunction machines when the settings information stored in the
settings information storing means is updated by a user's operation; a
receiving means that receives the settings information and the updated
time sent from other multifunction machines; and a synchronization/update
means that updates the settings information stored in the settings
information storing means based on the received settings information.