IMAGE-FORMING-APPARATUS USE MANAGING METHOD IMAGE-FORMING APPARATUS SELLING METHOD AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS

A printer capable of controlling the operation capability of an image-forming device according to a user's utilization mode. Operation capability designation information for designating the operation capability of the image-forming device is rewritably held in an EEPROM (34) provided in the print controller (30) of the image forming device. The CPU (31) of the print controller (30) judges whether or not a printing request sent from a computer (40) falls within a capability range designated by the held operation capability designation information. If within a capability range, a print engine (10) is caused to form an image. As the capability, a usable amount of ink to be contained in an ink cartridge (20) can be set.