Why do some Web sites take so long to download?

Sites with high volume use, such as Netscape's site, sometimes seem slow because they are handling hundreds of simultaneous connections. The more simultaneous connections, the slower the site will operate. Finally, the number of Internet users could also affect your download time. If you are surfing during "prime time" (usually 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. EST), you will wait longer for popular sites than if you are surfing at 6 a.m. Remember, the Internet is open 24 hours a day and it is always "prime time" somewhere in the world. The remote server you are trying to contact may be experiencing "peak load" from users located in its time zone.