Limits, such as the number of users logged on, can be placed on an ftp site. Obviously, the more memory and processor speed a machine running as an ftp site has, the better able it is to handle more users, more file transfers, and so on. There are currently a number of ftp sites maintained at Apple, most of which are located in Austin, Texas or Cupertino, California. We are constantly adding additional ftp servers. The Apple software archive is posted in its entirety to a variety of mirror locations in the US and worldwide.
All mirror sites contain the same software.
Customers have the option to choose an individual FTP server for their download or they can take advantage of Apple's automated FTP load balancing system. To take advantage of the FTP load balancing system, point your favorite web browser to our Software Updates via WWW system. This will allow you to browse the software archive and will automatically send you to the FTP mirror server that is the least busy. This web page shows how many customers are currently using the various FTP servers and allows customers to choose any one of the servers for their download. Apple does not have a schedule for releasing Apple Software Updates.