Accesing Windows partition (NTFS) safety???

[rohaninabout]

Hey guys,

I thought I would give Linux a go so I have just dual booted Ubuntu 8.10 and Windows XP Home. (And so far I'm loving it! )

I think I will make Ubuntu my default OS, and use WINE to run some games like World of Warcraft, Counterstrike etc, and just keep Windows for games like Crysis and other Direct X games.

My question is: Should I just mount the ntfs windows partition and run the games from there? Or would it be better to copy the game directories over to the Ubuntu partition?
Are there any pros and cons? Is it faster to run from the Ubuntu partition since it will be the native partition?
Also, I heard writing from Linux to the NTFS Windows partition is safe now, but has anyone here done that? (I'm still a bit edgey on that incase something gets corrupted or I lose data)

Thanks, looking forward to hearing your replies =)

[Axelation]

I can't say that I ever had Wine corrupt any files. And usually, wine runs your apps from the NTFS partition, because it uses the dlls from windows for the game to run. However, if you install the game in linux using wine, You may get a little faster file access but probably not fast enough to notice right away. I don't recommend it, but it is an option. You also may want to look into Cedega. It is like wine but specifically for gaming. I have used it for games like Star Wars Jedi Knight Academy, UT2003, and Neverwinter Nights. Does pretty well.

[rohaninabout]

Thanks very much for your reply Ax.

Cedega? I've heard of it... I've also heard it costs money =p is that true?

Cheers!

[Axelation]

Yes, but is only like 15 bucks or so.

[rohaninabout]

Might check it out. I'm a student so I cant afford it if its $15 a month, once off will be fine

Thanks for your help!