

If Minecraft did not update, simply exit and reopen the resource packs screen. The resource pack is now applied, you may load your world and see the difference. Click on Options, then Resource Packs Choose Open resource pack folder Paste the file into the resource folder in Minecraft. Open the folder to which you downloaded the file.

If you are in a Minecraft world, press 'escape'.However, as of snapshot 12w23a, as long as pack.mcmeta exists, it will be recognized as a resource pack. Being able to force a client to automatically download and install and activate a resource pack would be a major security curity vulnerability. Thats not the same as saying you have to let them play on your server without it.

If you create your own textures, you can ZIP them if you feel it is necessary. Hes 100 correct in that you cannot force them to do it. Majority of resource packs are in ZIP file format, but as long as it has the necessary files (a 'pack.mcmeta' file, and an 'assets' folder), Minecraft will recognize a folder as a resource pack. Download a resource pack from the site of your choice.
