Why do programs on my computer which require internet access take so long to start up?

http://ift.tt/1iZHv9S

Got a crazy one. If an application or program such as Firefox, Chrome, Thunderbird, uTorrent or iTunes needs to go online to get its info, it takes 10 or more minutes to open. Once open, they work fine. Other programs such as Photoshop, Explorer or ones that do not need web access open in seconds as normal. I have cleared caches, system files etc and even uninstalled/reinstalled programs but it makes no difference. Any solutions without a total restore?

Post and answer: Why do programs on my computer which require internet access take so long to start up?