can knoppix write on NTFS file sistem ?

[GeorgeVancea]

I have just downloaded the last knoppix dvd and i have only one question can this new kernel or .. to write on a ntfs formated hdd ?
Thanks .

[Jacky]

The simple answer is......it depends....on whether you are in a position to experiment.

There are some on this forum who seem to have very strong views that Linux (hence Knoppix) cannot write safely to an NTFS partition. Perhaps they have had some bad experiences with Linux corrupting their NTFS partitions. It is true that early kernel driver sfor NTFS caused corruption and some distros removed NTFS write support totally as a safety measure. It can't be helped, Since the NTFS file system has not been publicised, Linux development work for ntfs write capability is all the more difficult and experimental.

However to simply say Knoppix cannot write to NTFS does a disservice to the hard work of the developers and ignores the progress that has been made especially since 2005. To recommend that users do not even try will simply starve the developers of much needed testing and feedback. For full details of the NTFS write capability, go to this site: http://www.linux-ntfs.org/ There is a lot of information and a useful FAQ. There is also a very good forum, and the developers themselves are a friendly lot of people who personally come online to help users with problems.

There are a few ways of writing to NTFS from Linux:

• captive ntfs - this method is described in the Knoppix Hacks book. But development for this stopped with the 2.4 kernel. There is no need for this because of later developments below.
  
  ntfsmount - this is part of the ntfsprogs package, and is included on Knoppix 5.01. See man ntfsmount for details. It has some documented limitations, mainly to enhance safety. For example, when it cannot write safely to an NTFS, it refuses to do so. It does not, for example, create more than 7-10 new files in an NTFS directory.
  
  ntfs-3g - this is a development of ntfsmount that does not have the limitations. This is however still beta, and you have to download it and compile.

My recommendation is that you read about the Linux NTFS project at the website above, and if you are in a position to experiment, then do so. This is because your experience, and feedback on problems (if any) will to useful to the developers, and also to other users. I myself have been using ntfs-3g regularly for the last few months and have not experienced any problems yet. Simply take a few sensible precautions -- back up your Windows regularly, and ensure that NTFS partitions are cleanly unmounted before your shutdown Linux.

Good luck and regards.

[GeorgeVancea]

Thanks for the answer. in the meen time i have found the setings necesary to enable writting on NTFS file sistem.
and it works quite ok, except the fact he can not write "security something" but it does not affect the file in any noticeble way.
Thanks again for the answer and if i misspeld something i am sory but am i'm not a native english speaker.