Partitioning in Unix and Linux 7.2
Why do Unix and Linux, up to Linux version 7.2, require primary partitioning and later versions of Linux do not?

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The answer is that Linux does not require a primary partition. It can exist in the extended partition. Unix versions like SCO, must always be in the active partition on the first disk in order to boot. Solaris also needs the primary partition, as does FreeBSD. You should keep that in mind when partitioning your systems and because Linux can install partitions on the extended partitions while keeping the free one available for your OS, which need the primary partition.

This was first published in October 2005