Posting this thread again, as old thread apparently cannot be seen.
Updated: After testing Norton Security (version 22.2.0.31) "boot options" settings for a week, it appears that while using IE 11 on Windows 8.1 these settings are causing a long delay in Internet access upon a total shutdown/reboot. I have been running with this option turned OFF now for a week, with zero problems at startup. If I change settings back to either aggressive or normal, the delays begin immediately. They last anywhere from 1 minute to 5 minutes - no idea why the difference. I have the fast shutdown/boot turned off because I turned off the hibernate function. Once the Internet access is finally turned on for me, everything seems normal, i.e., speed, functionality, etc. Until I shutdown/boot the next day.
I guess I can live without the early protection, but it was an exceedingly good feature. Or, learn to get a cup of coffee while I wait.