configuring L3 switch

I have a layer 3 switch that I got from excess. it has never been used. it powers up fine. I suppose it will work. However, I do not need any of the layer 3 functionality. I just want a switch with a single VLAN and remote administration. I think I can accomplish this end by just bringing up all the ports without assigning IP addresses to them. however, how do I assign an IP to the device as opposed to the port? this is going to be used as a zone switch that reports to a central switch that connects to a router.