The present invention has enabled computing resources existing in domestic
network systems to be utilized with a maximum efficiency. Actual
condition of the connection of client apparatuses to a domestic network
and overall computing resources of the domestic network are integrally
controlled by a personal computer functioning itself as a private server.
When a PDA outputs a request to a personal computer for downloading image
data on a server, the image data is downloaded and stored in a hard disk
area owned by the personal computer and offered to the PDA. A connected
condition of the client apparatuses to the domestic network is constantly
monitored. Even when any of the client apparatuses is provisionally
disconnected from the network, proper service is continuously rendered by
applying the computing resources offered to the client apparatus.