Using ModelSim-Altera with Altera designs

I'm trying to learn my way around the ModelSim-Altera 6.1g simulator (full version). Currently, I have been able to perform block-level simulations using Cadence NCSim on a UNIX box. Everything is driven using scripts (no GUI control, except to look at waveforms). Now, I'm trying to take that same testbench and setup, and port it over to the ModelSim-Altera simulator on the PC. So far, I've found a couple of equilivant commands, but not sure about setting up libraries, or once the simulation is done, how to view the waveforms.

I do not need to create stimulus files, since the testbench already does that. If you have a method you use that involves command-line driven testing, I'd like to hear from you.

Also, if you've ever created full chip-level simulations using the Nios processor, I'd really to hear from you!!!