Image processing apparatus which can update program

Abstract

An image processing apparatus comprises: an inserting unit to insert a memory medium such as IC card or floppy disc which can be freely attached or detached and in which programs to control the image processing apparatus have been stored; a memory to store the program which has been read out from the memory medium and kind data indicative of the kind of program; a loading circuit to load the program stored in the memory medium into the memory; and a control unit to control the image processing apparatus in accordance with the program stored in the memory. In the case where the program has already been stored in the memory, the control unit controls the loading circuit in a manner such that when the kind data stored in the memory is the data indicative of a special program, the loading of the program from the memory medium to the memory is inhibited and, when the kind data stored in the memory is not the data indicative of the special program, the loading of the program from the memory medium to the memory is executed.