Java SE (Java Platform, Standard Edition)

hello, hope that anyone out there will be able to help me out. i want to be able to start an application from when i turn on the power to any computer OS. i have read if i work with the registry on a pc that is one way of handling it. but is there another way, and in a Mac i would think is different so how would i go about it?
example:
power >> OS runs >> norton anti virus runs >> stays on

hopefully you can help, thank you.