In one embodiment, an image output apparatus is configured such that an equipment control portion sets the process of output as an image according to the protection status of received direct print data. When the received direct print data is only simple data in a predetermined file format, the equipment control portion sets a processing method that unconditionally prints out the data, and when thedata is encrypted, the equipment control portion sets a processing method that temporarily holds the data, and prints out the data in response to a user's output instruction, and when a password hasbeen added to the data, the equipment control portion sets a processing method that temporarily holds the data, and prints out the data in response to password input from the user.