Using data from an NTFS drive in Linux -disadvantages?

joden1 · 07-15-2021, 05:03 PM

Are there any disadvantages using an existing NTFS data drive in Linux, using ntfs-3g?

As in, read/write security, long term use, mounting issues access speeds etc?

Or is it really optimal to convert the partition to EXT4?

rkelsen · 07-15-2021, 05:44 PM

Yeah, it's not good. NTFS is proprietary and closed source. Linux support for it had to be reverse engineered. I'd say that continuing to use it would be less than ideal.

You can always use samba to share files with Windows machines.

jefro · 07-15-2021, 06:55 PM

I've used the read support in linux for decades. I've used ntfs-3g for maybe 15 years.
Never had an issue so far.

Optimal would be your choice. If you don't need NTFS then consider a native linux filesystem.

joden1 · 07-15-2021, 07:02 PM

haha, two different views...no probs thanks guys. I'll probably go the full way and transfer the data, format EXT4 and then transfer it back. Probably the safest, although your comment is noted jefro, thanks!

michaelk · 07-15-2021, 08:08 PM

In addition to the above linux has limited tools to repair a NTFS filesystem and if it gets really corrupted you need Windows to fix it.

If it is being used only on a linux system IMHO there is no good reason to not switch to ext4.

joden1 · 07-15-2021, 08:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by michaelk

In addition to the above linux has limited tools to repair a NTFS filesystem and if it gets really corrupted you need Windows to fix it.

If it is being used only on a linux system IMHO there is no good reason to not switch to ext4.

Cool, yes that seems to be the most sensible for sure! And what I will do.

computersavvy · 07-15-2021, 08:33 PM

Everybody has their own opinion, but as @michaelk suggested, IMO unless you really need to access the data from a windows machine I would go native ext4 as that way there is less risk.

Another thing of note and it can be a real hassle at times, is file permissions. The ntfs filesystem gives everything 777 permissions for use in linux, and it can become a nightmare that way. The ext4 file system uses standard linux ownership and permissions so IMHO it is much better for the user.

jefro · 07-15-2021, 09:05 PM

"haha, two different views" Well, not really different, rather separate thoughts.

A private company built the original 3g to be sold from some other project, I forget that company. Think I might have bought it for a use. Not sure how much money they made but they had MS access to source. Over the years ntfs has improved. MS does have the best tools to manage.

Millions of people use ntfs-3g every day.
As all agree, if you have no need for it then use a native filesystem.

michaelk · 07-15-2021, 09:14 PM

Quote:

A private company built the original 3g to be sold from some other project, I forget that company.

Tuxera?

frankbell · 07-15-2021, 10:15 PM

There are no practical problems with using NTFS drives. I have several external USB drives formatted NTFS and have never had an issue with any files stored on or accessed from them by a Linux system.

As for the philosophical issues, that's really a whole different ball game.

IsaacKuo · 07-16-2021, 10:18 AM

One gotcha to bear in mind is that NTFS has a lower time resolution. This means that software like rsync will think files are different based on timestamp when, in fact, they're the same. There's a time window option on rsync that mostly takes care of this problem, but it can make dealing with backups and such really annoying.

fatmac · 07-16-2021, 02:13 PM

Quote:

Or is it really optimal to convert the partition to EXT4?

I always re partition & use ext4 on my drives - why use a 'foreign' filesystem when you can use a purpose made one.