What does a virtual memory system aim to alleviate for a user program?

A virtual memory system aims primarily to alleviate the need for extensive physical memory. This is accomplished by enabling a computer to use disk space as an extension of its RAM. When the physical memory is insufficient to handle the active processes and applications, virtual memory allows the system to move data that is not currently in use to a disk storage area, called the swap space. This means that programs can run even if they require more memory than what is physically available, thus improving the overall efficiency and utilization of system resources.

By using virtual memory, applications can be larger than the actual RAM available, making it easier for users to run larger or multiple applications simultaneously without encountering memory limitations. This capability allows for more flexibility in application design and user experience, as users do not need to consider the physical memory constraints of the system when developing or running software.