iTunes VERY slow to load. And VERY slow to connect iPhone

When trying to launch iTunes (Windows 7 Pro x64), all of the latest 10 versions or so, iTunes was effectively unusable it was so slow to launch. Connecting my iPhone (a few different ones) took so long to recognize the device it usually just timed out and never got to that point.

The solve for me: I'm using Avast Business Cloudcare (anti-malware). Temporarily disabling the firewall module solves the problem completely. In my version at least, I've tried to make distinct exceptions for the iTunes software for the firewall to allow it with inconsistent success.