How do swaps and forward contracts share similarities while also differing from each other?

Q1. Q. How do swaps and forward contracts share similarities while also differing from each other? (Marks 2.5)
Q2. For a $100 million equity swap with semiannual payments and an initial stock index level of 2000, one party pays a fixed rate of 5.5 percent assuming 30 days per month and 360 days in a year. On the first payment date, if the stock index is at 2173, determine the net swap payment, and specify which party makes the payment. (Marks 2.5)
Q3: Compare and contrast the similarities and differences between Forward Rate Agreements (FRAs) and interest rate swaps. (Marks 2.5)
Q 4. How can a portfolio manager rationalize the acquisition of an inverse floating-rate note? (Marks 2.5)