Before customizing z/OS UNIX, you must decide whether you want to set up kernel services in minimum mode or full function mode. If you want to use any z/OS UNIX service, TCP/IP, or other functions that require the kernel services, you must use full function mode; otherwise, you can use minimum mode.

SMS (System Managed Storage, which is part of the DFSMSdfp element of z/OS) must be configured, whether you define the kernel in minimum mode or full function mode.