A computer program or the like is provided for reducing changes to the setting information by the computer. A management apparatus is provided for managing devices connected to a computer using a layered structure including a managing section for setting information associated with each of the devices by recording it in a setting information database using a layered structure; an adding section, if an existing device has been replaced by a new device for adding the setting information for the new device into the setting information database; a condition deciding section to determine whether the existing device and the new device have a predetermined relationship; and a changing section, if the existing device and the new device have the predetermined relationship, for managing the setting information for a low level device, which is a device managed as a lower layer of the existing device, as the lower layer of setting information for the new device and recording it in the setting information database.