I was downloading a large disc image using ftp in the Terminal. I wasn't getting any updates in the window as to how much was downloaded etc. So I found the file in the Finder, and did a File -> Get Info on it. It showed the file size, and then the file size changed.
The Finder keeps updating the window information every time it is activated, and I am able to check the status of my downloads by keeping the window open and activating the Finder every once in a while. I am using Jaguar 10.2.8 and I don't have access to other versions right now. Pretty cool I think. I don't think OS 9 did that.
Mac OS X Hints
http://hints.macworld.com/article.php?story=20031229133350201