Free Online Content for a Better (Self) Isolation

State of emergency in Serbia due to the coronavirus pandemic enters its second week. And not only that, day by day we witness stricter precautionary measures, and at this moment, no one can probably even guess how long this situation will last. Being confined to our own four walls has become a reality that, to be honest, is less and less pleasant for everyone every day, especially for the younger population.

However, the era of information technology in which we live and the general availability of the internet (especially in cities where isolation is "most critical") allows us to make the days in this kind of captivity more interesting and meaningful – to see, hear, or read something for which we probably would never have found time in regular circumstances.

In that regard, but also as a sign of solidarity with people around the world, most popular multimedia streaming platforms (Netflix, IMDb TV, Crackle...) have provided numerous benefits for consuming their content, such as various coupons, extended trial periods, direct discounts, and more.

However, even greater "heroes" are certain cultural institutions, festivals, and digital platforms worldwide that offer their content completely free of charge.

To make the days in quarantine pass faster and more qualitatively, we present some completely free and easily accessible online content (without registration and leaving personal information) that you probably didn't even know existed until now...

Internet "magazine"

The Great Internet Archive represents a gigantic digital repository of completely free audio, video, textual, software, and entertainment content, open for use by anyone with internet access. It is a non-profit organization that collects and systematically stores billions of e-books, video materials, games, photos, software, and music. It's like a digital cellar where everything is clearly categorized by type, time, and place of creation, with a fast search function, and it will be a delight for those who enjoy "digging" through archives and finding lost things.

Film classics

Fans of old movies can enjoy over 600 film classics with just a few clicks, sorted by genres - from legendary animated movies, through comedies and dramas, to science fiction and horror. Charlie Chaplin, John Wayne, Humphrey Bogart, Frank Sinatra, Cary Grant, and Rosalind Russell are just a part of the array of top-notch actors whose works can be enjoyed daily.

"Documentaries" and opera

A few days ago, news broke that the largest international documentary film festival, held annually in Amsterdam, has unlocked as many as 200 titles that can be freely watched without any registration. On the other side of the Atlantic, the New York Metropolitan Opera streams its most significant performances for free every day, which can be easily followed from almost anywhere in the world with just a few clicks.

Free comics

Passionate fans of the ninth art can pass the time in isolation by browsing through some of the many online comics by popular global artists, which are also available completely free of charge and without any credentials. Divided into genres, although not part of the "mega" popular Marvel franchise, these comics actually offer a much wider range of topics and events presented in comic form.

Virtual exhibitions in the world's largest museums

Google's Art & Culture option, which is free at all times (not just during the pandemic), can gain even more significance and popularity in these days. It allows for a virtual visit to a vast number of natural and cultural-historical landmarks worldwide, major museums, galleries, and national parks in almost every part of the planet. Depending on personal interests, at one moment, for example, you can be in the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, and in the next, on top of the Eiffel Tower, and immediately after that, you can take a stroll in Yellowstone National Park. The possibilities of virtual travel and education from the comfort of your armchair are vast and highly inspiring.

Free online courses

Speaking of learning, those who want to use their time in self-isolation to improve their knowledge and skills have an ideal opportunity to do so through one of the hundreds of free courses. From practical craft tips to advanced programming training, marketing techniques, natural and social sciences, the selection of free courses is enormous. And the best part is that almost all instructors are distinguished university professors from around the world. All you need to do is register on the Coursera website, choose a course, and follow the instructions. In the end, your success can be certified with a certificate from an appropriate university, but for such formal recognition, it is still necessary to spend some money.