How to start a program automatic

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Method 1: Use the init scripts

1. Add your script/shell script to the folder named /etc/init.d. How to do that is described below.
2. Use your favorite text editor (gedit, kwrite, kate, etc.) and then create a file in /etc/init.d.
3. After editing and saving (note: this must be done by root privileges), you have to make the file executable.
4. Do that using chmod +x /etc/init.d/SCRIPTNAME.sh.
5. Reboot, and it will autostart your script!

Method 2: Use /etc/xdg/autostart (or /usr/share/autostart)

1. While using /etc/xdg/autostart (or /usr/share/autostart) keep in mind that your script will have to be a .desktop file. This can mean two things, make the a.desktop file execute the myscript.sh file or you can have individual commands in the a.desktop file. A more detailed guide is below:
2. Use your favorite text editor (gedit, kwrite, kate, etc.) and then create a file in /etc/xdg/autostart.
3. Edit and save (note: this must be done by root privileges). No need to make the file executable.
4. A desktop file should look something like this:

[Desktop Entry]
Type=Application
Name=xscreensaver-autostart
Comment=Autostart xscreensaver
Exec=/usr/libexec/xscreensaver-autostart
Terminal=false
X-Desktop-File-Install-Version=0.22
OnlyShowIn=GNOME;

Note the [Desktop Entry] at the top.

1. The Exec part should contain the path (full) to the script.

Method 3: Use user-specific autostart

1. To do this for your user only, head over to the autostart section in System Settings.
2. Click on Add, and specify script.
3. Log out and back in.

OTHER WAYS:

1. Create a script in your home directory.
2. Execute this command:

mv $HOME/myscript.sh .config/autostart

1. Log out and back in.

Also, you may be able to use:

$ gnome-session-properties

if in GNOME. :)

HTH.