Is This Hardware Usable? Check Compatibility!

Hello,
I was offered the following hardware:
NI National Instruments PCMCIA CAN/2, 2-Channel High-Speed CAN Card.

Manufacturer's description:
The PCMCIA-CAN/2 module from National Instruments is a CAN interface card with two ports for communication with high-speed CAN buses, supporting data rates of up to 1 Mbit/s. The NI PCMCIA-CAN card utilizes the SJA1000 CAN controller from Philips for advanced features such as list handling, echo functionality, and filtering, as well as new transceivers to support sleep/wakeup mode. The NI-CAN driver software is included with each CAN interface card. This software enables shorter development times through features like vector data file import, bus monitoring, a test panel, and NI Spy. NI-CAN and data acquisition cards can be connected to PCMCIA-CAN cards using a connector similar to the RTSI bus. All CAN interface cards from National Instruments meet the physical and electrical requirements of CAN-based in-vehicle networks (automotive).

Can this device be used to eavesdrop on and intercept data transmitted over the CAN bus, and potentially simulate data or activate control units?
"Sorry for my silly questions, but this is all new to me. I have no prior experience with CAN bus and want to gradually learn about it..."
Regards,
Chris.

Basically yes, but...

You are missing the necessary software. While you will receive the drivers, you still need at least LabVIEW with the corresponding licenses. Also, keep in mind that PCMCIA is already outdated technology, so you will find fewer and fewer laptops that have this interface.

Since the NI CAN cards have a similar design to the Vector CANCard XL, they will likely not work with a PCMCIA to USB adapter.

[Translating...]

http://www.canhack.de/en/viewtopic.php?t=1852

.....then the hardware and software package offered by "CAN diagnosis" is almost cheaper. The NI card should cost €50, and then you still need to add €30 for LabVIEW and €50-60 for an adapter from PCMCIA to ExpressCard...
and it's running...
Is the "solution" shown by the CAN diagnostic tool something that a beginner can easily understand and use? Is it comprehensive enough for me to start with the most important things first?
Regards,
Chris.

Hello Chris,

Yes, KCANMonitor is designed for ease of use, as you can see in the video at the link.

Best regards, Rainer.

You can't get LabVIEW for €30.

If you're new to the CAN bus, the CAN USB adapter is a much better choice.

Aside from the support available in forums and similar places, this adapter can actually do almost anything a novice user might desire, especially since there's an associated API.

...okay.
Then I will buy the hardware here.
I'm sure I will have some questions about the CAN hardware/software, and also about my project (a Lupo GTI with Golf 5 onboard electronics and engine installed in a Golf 4).