Which hardware platform or platforms are officially supported by the released version of Microsoft Windows 2000 operating systems?

Introduction / Context:
This question tests basic product knowledge about the hardware platforms supported by Microsoft Windows 2000 at release. Earlier Windows NT versions experimented with multiple processor architectures, but by the time Windows 2000 shipped, Microsoft focused on the Intel compatible x86 platform. Knowing officially supported platforms is important for planning deployments and understanding legacy exam questions.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The question refers specifically to Windows 2000, not earlier NT versions.
• It asks which hardware platform or platforms are supported.
• Options include x86 and several non Intel architectures.
• You must identify the platform that was supported in the released product.

Concept / Approach:
Windows 2000 was released for Intel compatible x86 processors, with minimum requirements such as a Pentium class CPU at 166 MHz or higher depending on the edition and workload. During development, Microsoft evaluated support for additional architectures such as Alpha, but this support did not ship in the final product. Therefore, for the purposes of certification exams and official documentation, Windows 2000 is considered an x86 based operating system line.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that the final released editions of Windows 2000 were targeted at Intel compatible x86 hardware.Step 2: Recognise that the other listed architectures (Alpha, PowerPC, MIPS) were supported only by earlier NT releases or in test builds.Step 3: Confirm that minimum CPU speed requirements for many exams mention a Pentium 166 MHz or higher.Step 4: Select the option that describes the Intel Pentium or compatible x86 platform.

Verification / Alternative check:
Microsoft product datasheets, deployment guides, and historical notes state that Windows 2000 Professional, Server, Advanced Server, and Datacenter Server were released only for the Intel 32 bit platform. Support for other architectures was discontinued by this time. This is reflected in hardware compatibility lists and certification training materials.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option b mentions the Compaq Alpha platform, which was supported by certain Windows NT 4.0 editions but not by the released Windows 2000 product. Options c and d list PowerPC and MIPS R4000 architectures, which were associated with older NT development efforts and were no longer supported by Windows 2000. Option e is flatly incorrect, because Windows 2000 absolutely does support Intel compatible x86 processors.

Common Pitfalls:
Students who have studied older Windows NT history sometimes confuse the earlier multi architecture strategy with the simplified approach used for Windows 2000. It is important to focus on the state of the product at the time of release rather than on experimentation during development or earlier versions. For exam questions, always choose the officially supported platform documented for the product version in question.

Final Answer:
Windows 2000 officially supports the Intel Pentium or compatible x86 platform running at 166 MHz or higher.