This software is a Freenet client that operates from the command line and is coded with Perl.
However, if monitoring and starting new downloads is all you're interested in, this software may be a suitable alternative for you to consider. It should be noted, though, that at present, the software lacks upload-functionality.
One advantage of using fn_curses is that it's much more RAM- and CPU-friendly compared to Java applets. So, if you're looking for a lightweight application to manage download tasks, then you should definitely give it a try.
Version 0.1 Alpha 14: N/A