Enabling NTFS Support On OSX 10.8.5

I will use HFS+ for Time Machine backups. However, I still need to share files between the Windows and Mac world.

For Windows, I use a portable disk drive that I just drag and drop files to for backup. This is sufficient for my backup needs. I'd like to be able to access this drive for both read and write from the MAC, just as I do now with a thumb drive. I found the following article on this topic: http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-13727_7-57588773-263/how-to-manually-enable-ntfs-re ad-and-write-in-os-x/

It states ".... however, OS X does support writing to NTFS, but this feature is just not enabled by default."

It then goes on to describe how to do this "... to enable this feature, you have to do so on a per-volume basis, by editing the system's hidden fstab file to adjust the way the drive is automatically handled when attached and mounted. ......." See article for details.

The article also notes "Keep in mind that the writing ability of Apple's NTFS driver has not been thoroughly tested, and though this will enable write support using Apple's driver, there may be some limitations or unknown behaviors with the driver, so use it with caution"

As noted, I will use it to access the NTFS drive for read and write from both Windows and Mac. Just drag and drop.

1. Has anyone else used this feature? I know there are third party solutions, but I'd prefer using this if it works.

2. If so, what limitations or unknown behaviors have been seen?

3. When I talked with Apple tech support yesterday, they suggested I go to an Apple store and get assistance from the 'genius bar' for implementing the steps. As the person noted, one bad keystroke entry could mess up my system. Good idea! Is there any reason why the Apple store might refuse to assist me?

Thanks,

signed - trying to bridge the 2 worlds