possible to change 'silent' settings other than with button?

Yes under Setting>Sounds

 

I believe there is no way to do it.
The switch on the side is for switching between 2 modes: Ringing and Silent.
Now the phone still vibrates in both modes. To turn it off, you go to the setting in sound option.

I guess what I'm trying to say is whether or not it vibrates is independent of the mode you're in.

 

I am not sure what you want to do but try this.

1. Leave the switch in Ring mode.
2. Go to Settings>Sounds
3. If you want it to vibrate, turn the vibrate ON under ring settings and then turn the volume all the way down.
4. If you want it to do nothing, then turn vibrate OFF under ring settings and then turn the volume all the way down.
5. If you want it to ring well then turn the volume up.

 

I think the problem that his switch is stuck in silent mode, according to this thread

 

i am having the same problem, but my silent switch is broken, so i cant switch between them, and it is stuck on loud.

they wont fix it under warrentee because the screen is cracked.

when i put the volume all the way down it, it isnt silent. it still rings, but quietly. which is no good when im in lectures etc.

anyone know how to do it?

thanks

 

Maybe create a custom ringtone (garageband) that is very quiet? Or maybe make a custom ringtone that is silence?

 

What about text messages?