Enabling NTFS Support On OSX 10.8.5

Question

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

Answer 1

See below, use paragon
OR TUXERA for Mac for NTFS:
http://www.tuxera.com/products/tuxera-ntfs-for-mac/
FORMAT TYPES
FAT32 (File Allocation Table)
Read/Write FAT32 from both native Windows and native Mac OS X.
Maximum file size: 4GB.
Maximum volume size: 2TB
You can use this format if you share the drive between Mac OS X and Windows computers and have no files larger than 4GB.
NTFS (Windows NT File System)
Read/Write NTFS from native Windows.
Read only NTFS from native Mac OS X
To Read/Write/Format NTFS from Mac OS X, here are some alternatives:
For Mac OS X 10.4 or later (32 or 64-bit), install Paragon (approx $20) (Best Choice for Lion)
Native NTFS support can be enabled in Snow Leopard and Lion, but is not advisable, due to instability.
AirPort Extreme (802.11n) and Time Capsule do not support NTFS
Maximum file size: 16 TB
Maximum volume size: 256TB
You can use this format if you routinely share a drive with multiple Windows systems.
HFS+ ((((MAC FORMAT)))) (Hierarchical File System, a.k.a. Mac OS Extended (Journaled) Don't use case-sensitive)
Read/Write HFS+ from native Mac OS X
Required for Time Machine or Carbon Copy Cloner or SuperDuper! backups of Mac internal hard drive.
To Read HFS+ (but not Write) from Windows, Install HFSExplorer
Maximum file size: 8EiB
Maximum volume size: 8EiB
You can use this format if you only use the drive with Mac OS X, or use it for backups of your Mac OS X internal drive, or if you only share it with one Windows PC (with MacDrive installed on the PC)
EXFAT (FAT64)
Supported in Mac OS X only in 10.6.5 or later.
Not all Windows versions support exFAT. 
exFAT (Extended File Allocation Table)
AirPort Extreme (802.11n) and Time Capsule do not support exFAT
Maximum file size: 16 EiB
Maximum volume size: 64 ZiB
You can use this format if it is supported by all computers with which you intend to share the drive.  See "disadvantages" for details.