These are two different technical states of mind, but for most purposes it doesn't really matter which of them you fall into. Apologies in advance about my examples, but I would like to keep them G-rated. No killing people on this blog.
An example of intent: I hit the send button on my cell phone. I intend to hit the button. I thus intend to make a phone call.
An example of knowledge: I cracked two eggs into a saucepan (or other appropriate pan- I'm not an expert here). I turned on the burner, virtually certain that eventually I would cook my eggs. I have knowingly cooked my eggs.