You have not said but I assume from your questions that you are asking about our Web Wiz Forums Hosting Packages at the page below and not our Website or Reseller Hosting Packages.
1. All our servers are in the UK. We host many Web Wiz Forums and websites for US customers and the speed should not be an issue. You would find that the forum would run at the same speed as this forum you are using here.
2. Updates to Web Wiz Forums hosting packages to the latest version of Web Wiz Forums is not automatic as many customers make modifications to their forums. Instead you just need to create a Support Ticket requesting the update and we will have it updated for you.