# Captive NTFS

> open-source project

**Wikidata**: [Q1035166](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1035166)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Captive_NTFS)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/captive-ntfs

## Summary
Captive NTFS is an open-source project that serves as a driver wrapper, enabling NTFS (New Technology File System) support on Unix-like operating systems. It is distributed as free software under the GNU General Public License, version 2.0, allowing users to run, study, modify, and redistribute it freely.

## Key Facts
- **License**: Captive NTFS is licensed under the GNU General Public License, version 2.0, a copyleft free software license.
- **Versions**: Notable versions include 1.1.7 (released 2006-01-26), 1.0 (2003-10-20), 0.9.7 (2003-10-15), 0.1 (2002-10-31), 0.2 (2003-04-17), 0.8 (2003-05-02), 0.9 (2003-09-23), and 1.0.1 (2003-10-28).
- **Classification**: It is classified as both free software and a driver wrapper.
- **Source Code**: The project's source code is hosted at `http://git.jankratochvil.net/?p=captive.git` and `git://git.jankratochvil.net/captive.git`.
- **Website**: The official website is `https://www.jankratochvil.net/project/captive/`.
- **Programming Language**: The project's programming language is documented on Open Hub, with details available at `https://www.openhub.net/p/captive-ntfs/analyses/latest/languages_summary`.
- **Copyright Status**: Captive NTFS is copyrighted.
- **Wikipedia Presence**: It has Wikipedia entries in multiple languages, including German, English, French, Japanese, and Russian.

## FAQs
**What is Captive NTFS?**
Captive NTFS is an open-source project designed to provide NTFS support on Unix-like systems by acting as a driver wrapper. It is free software, allowing users to modify and distribute it under the GNU GPL v2.0.

**What versions of Captive NTFS have been released?**
Key versions include 1.1.7 (2006), 1.0 (2003), and several earlier releases like 0.9.7 and 0.1 (2002). Each version introduced updates and improvements to the project.

**Where can I find the source code for Captive NTFS?**
The source code is available in a Git repository at `http://git.jankratochvil.net/?p=captive.git` and via Git protocol at `git://git.jankratochvil.net/captive.git`.

**Is Captive NTFS still actively maintained?**
The most recent version listed is 1.1.7 from 2006, suggesting the project may no longer be actively updated. However, the source code remains accessible for study and modification.

**What license does Captive NTFS use?**
It is licensed under the GNU General Public License, version 2.0, ensuring it remains free and open-source software with copyleft provisions.

## Why It Matters
Captive NTFS played a significant role in bridging the gap between Windows and Unix-like systems by enabling NTFS support. This was particularly important for users who needed to access NTFS-formatted drives on Linux or other Unix-based operating systems. As free software, it empowered developers and users to adapt and improve the tool, contributing to broader interoperability in computing. Its release under the GNU GPL v2.0 also reinforced the principles of open-source software, encouraging collaboration and transparency.

## Notable For
- **Early NTFS Support**: One of the early projects to provide NTFS functionality on Unix-like systems.
- **Open-Source Licensing**: Distributed under the GNU GPL v2.0, ensuring freedom to modify and redistribute.
- **Multi-Language Documentation**: Features Wikipedia entries in multiple languages, indicating its global relevance.
- **Version History**: Multiple releases between 2002 and 2006, showcasing its evolution and updates.

## Body
### Overview
Captive NTFS is an open-source project classified as both free software and a driver wrapper. Its primary function is to facilitate NTFS support on Unix-like operating systems, making it a valuable tool for users needing cross-platform file system compatibility.

### History and Development
The project's development spans several years, with the first version (0.1) released on October 31, 2002. Subsequent versions followed, including 0.2 (April 17, 2003), 0.8 (May 2, 2003), 0.9 (September 23, 2003), and 0.9.7 (October 15, 2003). The first major release, version 1.0, was launched on October 20, 2003, followed by a minor update (1.0.1) on October 28, 2003. The most recent version, 1.1.7, was released on January 26, 2006.

### Licensing and Distribution
Captive NTFS is licensed under the GNU General Public License, version 2.0, a well-known copyleft license that ensures users have the freedom to run, study, modify, and distribute the software. The license terms are documented in the project's repository, accessible via the provided Git links.

### Source Code and Repository
The project's source code is hosted in a Git repository, with the primary access point being `http://git.jankratochvil.net/?p=captive.git`. An alternative Git protocol URL is also available: `git://git.jankratochvil.net/captive.git`. These repositories provide access to the project's history, including all versions and updates.

### Website and Documentation
The official website for Captive NTFS is `https://www.jankratochvil.net/project/captive/`, serving as a central hub for information about the project. Additionally, the project is documented on Wikipedia in multiple languages, including English, German, French, Japanese, and Russian, indicating its international relevance and adoption.

### Programming Language
The programming language used in Captive NTFS is documented on Open Hub, with a detailed breakdown available at `https://www.openhub.net/p/captive-ntfs/analyses/latest/languages_summary`. This resource provides insights into the project's codebase and technical composition.

### Copyright and Legal Status
Captive NTFS is copyrighted, ensuring that the original creators retain legal rights over the software while still allowing for open-source distribution and modification under the GNU GPL v2.0.

### Community and Adoption
While the project's active development appears to have ceased after 2006, its source code remains accessible, allowing the community to study, fork, or adapt it for modern use cases. The presence of Wikipedia entries in multiple languages suggests that Captive NTFS had a notable impact during its active years, particularly among users seeking NTFS support on Unix-like systems.

### Related Projects and Ecosystem
As a driver wrapper, Captive NTFS is part of a broader ecosystem of tools designed to enhance interoperability between different operating systems. Its role in providing NTFS support on Unix-like systems aligns with other open-source projects aimed at improving cross-platform compatibility and file system access.

## References

1. [Source](http://git.jankratochvil.net/?p=captive.git;a=blob;f=COPYING;h=5b6e7c66c276e7610d4a73c70ec1a1f7c1003259;hb=HEAD)
2. [The captive-ntfs Open Source Project on Open Hub: Languages Page. Open Hub](https://www.openhub.net/p/captive-ntfs/analyses/latest/languages_summary)
3. [Source](http://git.jankratochvil.net/?p=captive.git;a=blob;f=NEWS)
4. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013