When a print job described in JL (job language) is transferred from a host device via a communication medium, JL is interpreted by a JL parser, encapsulated PDL (page description language) is interpreted by a PDL translator, and image data to be printed is produced, and printed in a printer engine. When printing is completed, information on the paper output place is stored in a job information table. When an inquiry in JL is made from the host, on the basis of this, the job information table is retrieved, and answer data on the corresponding paper output place is returned to the host device, and informed to a user via display processing on the host device or the like.