An interconnected collection of autonomous computers is called a computer network. Networks allow computers to share resources like hardware, software, databases, and communicate with each other. The first network was ARPANET in 1969 which connected universities and defense organizations in the US. Later networks like NSFnet and the Internet improved capacity and connectivity. A network uses nodes, servers, network interface units, and types of networks can be LANs, MANs, or WANs depending on geographical reach. Networking evolved to improve sharing, reliability, and reduce costs.