a Linux registry?
 

Does Linux have a system database file like the Windows system registry, for all the hardware and the software user settings? Also is there a central location for the Linux start up programs which will start with the Linux boot up? thanks

No registry, Thank God! Look in /etc/rcx.d (where x is a number) for startup and shutdown scripts.

You can scroll down this page, similar threads are in the bottom.

If you want things to start automatically when KDE starts, you can place scripts in ~/.kde/Autostart. You may also look into turning session manager on, which will restore the programs which were open last time you logged off. (Check in KControl -> KDE Components -> Session Manager) It's handy for keeping things in the system tray.