A host device is connected to at least one printer through a network. Before printing, the host device broadcasts a query on the network, selects a printer that replies to the query, and sends printer setting information to the printer. The printer includes a setting switch that can be set to different states to accept or reject the printer setting information. A printer replies to the query only if its setting switch is set to the state that accepts the printer setting information. The setting switch avoids the generation of unnecessary replies and thereby simplifies the selection of the printer, as well as protecting the printer from unwanted alteration of its settings.