Can't connect to Postgres with JDBC

Hi,

          I'm trying to connect to my postgres database(that came with RedHat
5.0) with an applet using JDBC.  The driver seems to be loading fine, but I
receive this error when starting the applet:

java.sql.SQLException: Failed to authenticate client as Postgres user 'bscross'
using the default authentication type: be_recvauth: host-based authentication
failed.

The bscross user is both a system user and one I created in postgres.
Do I need to change the authentication type, and if so what does it need to be?

I have read every FAQ and HOWTO I could find with no luck.  I would be forever
in debt if someone could help me out with this.  Thanks!

--Brian Cross.