This document provides an introduction to computer networks, including their basic concepts and classifications. It defines a computer network as interconnected computers that allow sharing of resources and information. The first major network was ARPANET funded by the US Department of Defense. Networks can be classified by scale as LAN, WAN, MAN, or PAN, or by structure as client-server or peer-to-peer. Topologies include bus, star, ring, mesh and tree. Network media include twisted pair, coaxial, fiber optic and wireless. Internetworking connects distinct networks through common routing technologies like intranets, extranets and the global Internet.