[matt777]

Do you have more info (it seems simple given the info you gave). Look at your MACRS (I think the computer is 5 year property and the furniture is seven year property) and depreciate accordingly. Yes the date does matter,it determines whether you use the half-year or mid-quarter convention. (You should read about this)-I'm too lazy to do the math, but the mid-quarter may result in more depn. this year (this is rare).

Also, (I'm not sure if you have gotten to this yet) but you can take a section 179 deduction and expense it all this year. The fact that you state this: "Janice would like to deduct these costs as soon as possible" makes me think this is the point of the question.

Another point: Your wording makes me think you don't understand the difference between depreciation and amortization. Read about this more. You generally depreciate tangible assets and amortize intangible assets. (i.e. you don't choose one or the other, tax law dictates what you do based on what type of asset it is)

Hope I helped and nice picture.

edit: I think you want to use half-year (If you don't use §179), but double check my math.