Linux uses one partition for its root file system and it also needs a dedicated swap partition for its swap file
. Since Linux Fdisk is more complex than DOS Fdisk it can be very challenging to use. Also older Computer hardware BIOS can only accesses the first 1024 cylinders of the disk, which can limit your partitions to 8GB. You can also make DOS partitions with the DOS Fdisk utility or Linux partitions with the Linux Fdisk.
Partitioning
When I setup partitions for either a Linux or Windows operating systems I use GParted. GParted, Partition Magic clone, is a free Open Source utility that works well on any computer system. You can also run it, which I prefer, from a LiveCD, such as, INSERT. INSERT, from Inside Security, is a free LiveCD based on Knoppix. Knoppix is another LiveCD that has many useful computer maintenance tools. INSERT also has many other free and valuable tools, such as, Partimage, which is a clone of North Ghost. If you want some addition information on GParted you should check out the my YouTube video GParted.
Fdisk MBR
The Fdisk MBR website has additional articles on this subject you might find useful.