felixd

   - When I took over all the projects were updated on the 
     the production server.

   - The test server should be a clone of the production
     and regularly updated.

   - Start your wiki listing how you are cloning your
     production system.

   - Create projects for the projects currently in production

   - Document those projects

   - Pick one. Which one? Mercurial? git? subversion?

     [ commercial ones not listed, because more than likely
       you have a zero dollar budget ]

     It honestly doesn't matter. Just pick one and stick
     with it no matter what people say. When asked why you
     picked one over the other. Just say "I needed it."

   - Learn SCM strategies. 

   - Write policy for your SCM strategy. 

   - Follow your own policy

   - Inform then that emailing you does not get the problem
     fixed

   - Bug reports let them track your progress and allows
     for open two-way communication.

   - It also gives your superiors a way of monitoring and
     measuring your success in the workplace.

   [ if they don't "see" your worth then you are worthless ]