I don't think that is the best way to go about what you're trying to do.
Not sure what your exact requirements are, but i'd suggest adding a new table (or an extra row to the user table -- not sure how safe that is, I'll let someone else comment on that).
Something like: TABLE user_sso user_id INT - the user id from the user table user_sso INT - your sso ID
Anyone know how using a numeric ID will affect the display of the user's
name on MediaWiki and if it will have any other ramifications? The user_name field store's the accounts username. Changing that to a numeric ID will give all your accounts numbers for usernames.
Can I make sure hte NAME displayed uses user's user_real_name instead if
user_name ?? I doubt it. Even if you can, its probably not a good idea.
The reason I cannot test this is because I write directly to the DB and
refresh the history page but it shows the original username (before I edited the DB table).
[...] Im not sure why my direct DB edits dont chnage the displkay of the
history page.
This is because the revision table has an extra rev_user_text field that you need to change as well.
Directly editing the database should be avoided unless you know what you're doing.
I'm not quite sure what you're asking with your last question, however MediaWiki should not be altering the user_name field.
Hope some of this helps.
-- Chris