Equivalent to that of the five mother sauces that every chef knows by heart; (bechamel, veloute, tomato, hollandaise, & espagnole) are the five main components to a computer; (the motherboard, ram, the power supply, hard drive, and software programs).
The motherboard is the head of the operation and also considered to be the most important part of the computer. this very complex machine is also known as the Central Nervous System of computers. Motherboards include PCI’s AGP, North Bridge, Processor Socket, Memory, IDE, South Bridge, and BIOS.
RAM or random-access memory is a form of computer storage data that will temporarily save data onto your computer. I say temporarily because these files may be erased when you power-off your computer or of it accidentally turns itself off. RAM directly affects the speed that your computer runs at.
Hard Drive is a non-volatile storage device that stores digitally encoded data on rapidly rotating rigid platters with magnetic surfaces. In the restaurant business, we create a mother sauce using many different ingredients, and in the same respect, the hard drive is comprised of a platter, a spindle, a head, an actuator, an actuator axis, a power connector, a jumper block, and an IDE connector.
The power supply is the unit that allows for the "magic" of computers to happen. This input of energy is converted into a low-voltage DC power for the internal components of the computer to use. The input must be converted so that it does not fry your computer.
We have already covered software programs at length so I feel there is no need to discuss them again. Just be aware that they can be added to many computers to enhance a users experience, and make their "stupid slow machine" run to their advantage.
All of the parts that make up your standard computer are 100% necessary in order for this machine to operate correctly. There are many advantages from creating your "recipe" from scrape, such as the pride and know-how behind it, yet there are also advantages to purchasing pre-made ready-to serve, if you will, functions. May it be buying a computer or making a sauce, be sure to look into your options before you just start getting your hands dirty!
Friday, February 26, 2010
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Excell with Excel
Numbers numbers numbers! Ever feel like you're drowning in them? On 4-05-06 the average plate cost was $6.87 and tomorrow at 5:45 you have to be in room 455 for 55 minutes, and you have to remember to pay that electric bill by 3-23-2010 for $213... It's never ending! But no worries, there is a software program that will quickly solve all you numerical needs. Spreadsheet software's like excel, allow their users to organize data on a clearly readable worksheet, and set their mind at ease.
For our restaurant, Excel is a great tool. Instead of keeping all of your recites and paper copies of your companies history is a messy cabinet file system, you can easily create a worksheet that will keep track of all of this data and compile it into understandable means. For instance, you have the ability to make a graph to represent how much your labor costs have increased over the past five years with a bar graph, or use a pie chart to see where you spend your most money. By entering labels, values or formulas into a cell (the intersection of a column and a row), you can keep all sorts of information organized. You can also format each cell with a different color, font, underlining etc... Doing so makes the worksheet very comprehensible.
Excel has the capability to compute hundreds of formulas, in seconds. For instance, you could use a sum formula to add up all of the costs in this months inventory. Or you could use excel to figure out how much gratuity should be added to a bill for a banquet. But you are not only limited to formulas. Excel has predefined formulas that preform common calculations such as adding the value of multiple cells known as a function. For example, the function =SUM(B8:B23) instructs the spreadsheet to add up all of the numbers in cells B8 through B23, instead of clicking on each one. Functions are a huge time saver, and in this industry, we know, time is money.
Besides excel, you can also purchase other software programs to use in the kitchen. For instance the Cook's Palate will automatically scale recipes for you, generate shopping lists from recipes, plan and schedule meals, and import popular recipe formats from web sites, other recipe programs or even scanned recipes.
Technology is making the kitchen life simpler by the minute, and saving you time and money!
For our restaurant, Excel is a great tool. Instead of keeping all of your recites and paper copies of your companies history is a messy cabinet file system, you can easily create a worksheet that will keep track of all of this data and compile it into understandable means. For instance, you have the ability to make a graph to represent how much your labor costs have increased over the past five years with a bar graph, or use a pie chart to see where you spend your most money. By entering labels, values or formulas into a cell (the intersection of a column and a row), you can keep all sorts of information organized. You can also format each cell with a different color, font, underlining etc... Doing so makes the worksheet very comprehensible.
Excel has the capability to compute hundreds of formulas, in seconds. For instance, you could use a sum formula to add up all of the costs in this months inventory. Or you could use excel to figure out how much gratuity should be added to a bill for a banquet. But you are not only limited to formulas. Excel has predefined formulas that preform common calculations such as adding the value of multiple cells known as a function. For example, the function =SUM(B8:B23) instructs the spreadsheet to add up all of the numbers in cells B8 through B23, instead of clicking on each one. Functions are a huge time saver, and in this industry, we know, time is money.
Besides excel, you can also purchase other software programs to use in the kitchen. For instance the Cook's Palate will automatically scale recipes for you, generate shopping lists from recipes, plan and schedule meals, and import popular recipe formats from web sites, other recipe programs or even scanned recipes.
Technology is making the kitchen life simpler by the minute, and saving you time and money!
Sunday, February 14, 2010
The Power behind PowerPoints
Knowing how to use basic software programs is no longer looked at as a skill when in the interview process. Rather a mandatory necessity in order to succeed and make yourself a valid employee. Some of the greatest programs to become comfortable with are powerpoint, project management software, and application software.
Powerpoint is a presentation software that allows users to create aids to presentations; to communicate ideas, and messages. But now, powerpoint can do much more than that. Users have the capability to add pictures, graphs, clipart, and even sound to your presentation as well. These aspects enhance your presentation, keep the audiences focus on you and the topic, and can add much flare to your weekly report meetings. When creating your presentation, you may even set it to a timer so that the program will run itself and change slides to keep up with you. Yes, you will have to practice your presentation multiple times to ensure that you have the correct timing, but the tool is more than worth it as it can relieve nerves and have one less thing to worry about when you're up in front of a large group.
Project Management software is definitely applicable to all of the event planners in our industry as well. It allows its users to plan, track, schedule, and even cost a project that they are working on. This program has the ability to keep a record of reports, notes, graphs and charts, and even keep you on track with a calendar. Even restaurants can use this program fir catering events and staffing. It is a guaranteed way to stay organized and have all of the details of your project in writing. Although I have never used this program, I would highly recommend trying it out for yourself since it has such a great amount of potential, and a place in our hospitality home.
Different types of application software can be used for communication for your business as well. VoIP has become one of the greatest things the web can offer business professionals as they can now speak to other users using the Internet. This significantly cuts down on travel expenses for meetings, and conventions. Instead of having to catch the next flight to NYC to meet with the executive boss, you can simply log onto your computer. Businesses are relying upon this application software daily, and its saving them thousands of dollars. Plus, small businesses should be utilizing this capability as well. It can help you to network with others in the industry and to get your name out there in your target market.
The internet and software programs are not something to fear, rather a tool that will help you expand your business and promote efficiency if it is used correctly. Best of luck!
Powerpoint is a presentation software that allows users to create aids to presentations; to communicate ideas, and messages. But now, powerpoint can do much more than that. Users have the capability to add pictures, graphs, clipart, and even sound to your presentation as well. These aspects enhance your presentation, keep the audiences focus on you and the topic, and can add much flare to your weekly report meetings. When creating your presentation, you may even set it to a timer so that the program will run itself and change slides to keep up with you. Yes, you will have to practice your presentation multiple times to ensure that you have the correct timing, but the tool is more than worth it as it can relieve nerves and have one less thing to worry about when you're up in front of a large group.
Project Management software is definitely applicable to all of the event planners in our industry as well. It allows its users to plan, track, schedule, and even cost a project that they are working on. This program has the ability to keep a record of reports, notes, graphs and charts, and even keep you on track with a calendar. Even restaurants can use this program fir catering events and staffing. It is a guaranteed way to stay organized and have all of the details of your project in writing. Although I have never used this program, I would highly recommend trying it out for yourself since it has such a great amount of potential, and a place in our hospitality home.
Different types of application software can be used for communication for your business as well. VoIP has become one of the greatest things the web can offer business professionals as they can now speak to other users using the Internet. This significantly cuts down on travel expenses for meetings, and conventions. Instead of having to catch the next flight to NYC to meet with the executive boss, you can simply log onto your computer. Businesses are relying upon this application software daily, and its saving them thousands of dollars. Plus, small businesses should be utilizing this capability as well. It can help you to network with others in the industry and to get your name out there in your target market.
The internet and software programs are not something to fear, rather a tool that will help you expand your business and promote efficiency if it is used correctly. Best of luck!
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Taste with Twitter
Sharing personal information with the world wide web is something that never appealed to me. Why would anyone want to share all kinds of personal information across the web for all to see, and possibly, use to their advantage? My mistake, I was merley thinking about the hundreds of facebook stalkers on campus, and completely blocked out the advantages that Twitter can have if applied to the real-world. Business are a great example of proper utilization of organizations and social networking programs online. Microblogging is a service which allows a subscriber broadcast a short message (140 characters) to other subscribers of the service. So far, people have used Twitter to broadcast what is on their mind, the new adventures that they face each day, and to simply keep in touch with people who they don't get to see everyday. Nevertheless, businesses are beginning to use Twitter just as much as they broadcast coupon codes, and advertisements to Twitter followers.
A great example is Food Service Enablers out of Western New York. This organization pays their employers to post "tweets" online to keep their followers informed on all the different programs that they have to offer. Advertising for Local restaurant is HUGE with FSE. Currently FoodServiceGirl is constantly updating her followers on restaurants that are participating. This not only advertises for those businesses, but promotes her event.
Twitter is so easy to use, that literally anyone could do it. And better yet, everyone is doing it! What better place to do advertising for your restaurant than somewhere that already has an established fan base and can be updated instantly? Plus it's free! On this website, you could definitely post coupon codes, promote new dishes and specials daily, offer discounts for regulars, and even keep in touch with your employees. Companies have even used this as an outreach to post job opportunities. Advertising for events works too. Restaurants that have nightly entertainment utilize this source as well. It's a great way to get your name out there!
Keeping up with the Jones may not be such a bad thing afterall!
A great example is Food Service Enablers out of Western New York. This organization pays their employers to post "tweets" online to keep their followers informed on all the different programs that they have to offer. Advertising for Local restaurant is HUGE with FSE. Currently FoodServiceGirl is constantly updating her followers on restaurants that are participating. This not only advertises for those businesses, but promotes her event.
Twitter is so easy to use, that literally anyone could do it. And better yet, everyone is doing it! What better place to do advertising for your restaurant than somewhere that already has an established fan base and can be updated instantly? Plus it's free! On this website, you could definitely post coupon codes, promote new dishes and specials daily, offer discounts for regulars, and even keep in touch with your employees. Companies have even used this as an outreach to post job opportunities. Advertising for events works too. Restaurants that have nightly entertainment utilize this source as well. It's a great way to get your name out there!
Keeping up with the Jones may not be such a bad thing afterall!
TheFIveRIngs
Passion is the main ingredient of a restaurant, Mix in a little crazy, & add a dash of ‘likes to work long hours and never see family & friends’ and then you have the perfect restaurant owner"
For convenience matters, this blog will be centralized primarily around an imaginary restaurant concept that I developed entitled, The Five Rings (title courtesy of Christopher H). In honor of the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, with all ethnic cuisines to the Vancouver area, this restaurant will celebrate the historic event and keep the tradition alive year round. The tread runs throughout the restaurant from clever names to dishes such as the triathlon duck, to the paralympic pan-fried gyozas. Forget being a five star restaurant, we've got rings!
Hopefully, this mock restaurant will show readers how easily technology can be used to advertise for an up-incoming restaurant, be utilized as a resource to ease work loads and mechanisms in the kitchens, and teach owners how to minimize labor costs by using technology to speed up processes behind the scenes.
Wish us luck as we venture down the road of modern technology
& I hope you find something to tantalize your tastebuds outside of the cuisine!
Enjoy!
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