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What do you mean? are you asking why it takes so long to download updates through PC Companion or Bridge or OTA? it thats your question then it's all about how fast/slow is your internet connection.
Either you don't have enough internal storage and/or your connection is way too slow and there were issues downloading the software, use PCC or Bridge
Bridge (for Mac)
Alternatives on How to backup Xperias
http://talk.sonymobile.com/thread/36355
With PCC you don't have to keep your phone connected, you can start the process > you will be asked if you want to keep your phone connected or not > if not then you will notified when the update it's ready so you will have to reconnect your phone.