Establishing an /etc file system for a new release

The /etc file system is the location for your own customization data for products. You set up the /etc files and you maintain their content. IBM® products create directories under /etc during installation, but IBM does not create files under /etc during SMP/E installation. Because IBM products do not create files into /etc, there is no possibility that SMP/E installation of an IBM product or service will overlay your own files within /etc.

Guideline: Establish the /etc file system before you perform the first IPL of the new system. How you establish the directory differs, depending on whether you already have an /etc file system.

If you do not have one, create it using instructions in Customizing the z/OS UNIX shells. For information about handling files in the /etc directory of other z/OS elements and features that install into the z/OS® UNIX file system, see z/OS Migration. You might also have /etc file system impacts for non-z/OS products that you are installing. For that information, see migration and customization information for those products.
If you already have an /etc file system, the /etc directory for the new z/OS system is based on a copy of the /etc file system for your existing system. You make this copy and migrate your existing /etcfile system, following instructions in ServerPac: Installing Your Order (for those choosing ServerPac) and the Program Directory (for those choosing the CBPDO method of installation). Because the configuration and customization data in your existing /etc file system might not be correct for the new system, you might need to make changes to the copy.