cpan will happily suggest HTTP mirrors during the initial config, unless your firewall has blocked regular web access (or blocked every CPAN mirror, and updates that block list). Tell us what the specific problem is, and maybe we can help.

As for old versions of modules, see the CPAN FAQ: Where can I find older/obsolete versions of Perl or Perl Modules? http://backpan.perl.org/

There is http://www.cpantesters.org which has a large matrix of test results that would probably help you, but it seems to be offline right now.

The modules you mention both have comprehensive unit tests, so it may be simplest to try to install the latest versions, and if they fail (and don't have an obvious simple fix), then go to the above FAQ link.

And, of course, Yes, even you can use CPAN!

Finally, 5.8 is really old already (2002), and hasn't been supported since 2008. I'd strongly recommend planning an upgrade strategy as soon as you can, as it will only get harder from here.

Hope this helps.

Edit: Added note on 5.8 support.

In reply to Re: CPAN Modules by rjt
in thread CPAN Modules by WorkerBee

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